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Cricket player mistaken for terrorist in Brussels
A Pakistani family in Brussels faces possible deportation after Assim Abassi, the 22-year-old son of an employee at the Pakistani embassy, was spotted on August 24, carrying a cricket bat wrapped in a sweatshirt.
Photos of the young man spread quickly across social media, alongside the following message from the federal police: “An unknown man carrying an object under his arm that is probably a shotgun. The object is covered with a piece of clothing. The man was last seen walking in front of house number 507 on Brussels’ Avenue Louise. Do you know this man or know where he is, do not hesitate to contact the police.”
Abassi, who was on his way to play cricket in Waterloo as he did every Sunday, turned himself in to police as soon as he learned of the misunderstanding. By that time, however, Abassi's father had already been fired from his job at the Pakistani embassy after the photos of his son went viral. Because the family’s residence permits are linked to the father’s job, the Abassi family was given six days to leave Belgium.
A spokesperson from the Foreign Affairs Department said that it will contact the Pakistan embassy today. Meanwhile, a Facebook group has been created against the deportation of Abassi and his family.
Comments
"Probably a shotgun"?
Nonsense, I can clearly see it's a collapsible broom stick used by his sister for long distance travel.
The ministry of magic have been informed about this......
The young man is not the ambassador's son (in which case he'd have nothing to worry about) but the son of an embassy employee without diplomatic status who has been fired from his job (as the article mentions at the end).
I thought I knew all the way to be out in Cricket but this is a new way to be out (of the country) without offering a shot (how can you shoot with a willow bat). I blame social media ...
Nothing to worry about, Larry? I don't think any kind of diplomatic status makes a person bullet proof.
What kind of sickening nonsense is all this? As to being deported : give me a break!! Furthermore : any spokesperson from Foreign Affairs or Protocol, whether or not they appear on 'Facebook', ought to know anyone officially connected to ANY foreign embassy, diplomatic status or no, can claim immunity in this country. A downright shaming incident allround. Poor man!