Two teenage girls in Siberia were hospitalized after being assaulted by a young man over their unconventional hairstyles. The incident took place in the town of Minusinsk in the Krasnoyarsk region, and was captured on security camera footage. The attacker approached the girls, who were both students at a nearby art school, and punched one of them seated at a cafeteria table. When the other girl tried to intervene, she was also punched in the face.
The conflict reportedly started when the 16-year-old boy and his older friend confronted the girls about their short hairstyles, one of which was dyed blue. According to reports, when the girls were asked if they were boys or girls, they replied that it was none of their business. The mother of one of the victims, 17-year-old Arina, spoke to the media about the incident. Both girls were hospitalized with concussions, with one of them also suffering a broken nose and cheekbone.
The assault took place amid a conservative shift in Russia’s leadership, which has become more pronounced since the invasion of Ukraine. Russia has also recently banned the so-called “international LGBT public movement” as “extremist.” The victims expressed shock and disappointment over the attack, with one of them stating that they did not deserve to be harmed because of their appearance. The victim also expressed concern for other teenagers in the city who may face similar discrimination and violence.
Authorities have launched a criminal case for battery in connection with the incident. The prosecutor in the case stated that the 16-year-old assailant’s identity has been confirmed, but did not disclose whether he had been detained. The charges may be upgraded based on the results of a medical examination of the victims. The incident has sparked outrage and drawn attention to the issue of violence and discrimination against individuals based on their appearance or identity.
The assault on the girls in Siberia highlights the ongoing challenges faced by individuals who do not conform to traditional gender norms or societal expectations. It also underscores the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment for all individuals, regardless of their appearance or identity. The incident has sparked a conversation about the need for greater awareness and education to prevent discrimination and violence against marginalized groups in society. It remains to be seen how authorities will handle the case and what steps will be taken to address the underlying issues that led to the attack.
