Two Muslim students, both 22, who were stabbed in a suspected anti-Muslim knife attack in Edinburgh have spoken out about their trauma. The incident occurred at Sighthill Park on June 19, shortly after they left evening prayers at a city mosque at around 8.50pm.
Details of the Attack
The students, who arrived from India just four weeks ago to study master's degrees, sustained serious injuries. One suffered seven stab wounds across his body and face, requiring 35 stitches. The other sustained five stab wounds and needed 17 stitches. Lewis Hawkes, 36, has been charged with five counts of attempted murder aggravated by reason of having a terrorist connection after three other men aged 24, 27, and 29 were also injured in incidents in Telford Road and Leith Walk.
Victims' Statements
Speaking publicly for the first time, one student said: "It's hard to comprehend what happened. Coming to Scotland is the worst decision I have ever made. Before we arrived, I'd heard a lot about this being a safe country and a beautiful place. That's why I picked Edinburgh when I was deciding where to study. Now I am thinking, is this what happens here?" He added: "I can't eat or sleep and I'm finding it hard to speak to anyone about it." The second student said: "I'm traumatised and I don't want to leave my room. I'm so afraid. I could never have expected that a terrible incident like this would happen here."
Witness Account
Their friend Syed Tajammul Hussain, who was the first witness at the scene, said: "I was the first person they called and I rushed there quickly. All I could see was blood on the ground and my brothers were crying. It was horrific. I called the police and the ambulance immediately but every minute felt like an hour until they got there." He added: "Physically there's a lot of damage, but they have also been damaged mentally. I don't know if they will recover."
Political Response
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the attack appeared motivated by "anti-Muslim hatred." First Minister John Swinney met the students privately and described them as "traumatised," stating there was "no place for violence, racism or intolerance in our country." Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she was "horrified" and emphasised "no place for hatred and violence against Muslims." Superintendent Neil Wilson of Police Scotland said: "There is no place for violence, hatred, or intimidation in our communities."
Community Reaction
The Muslim Council for Scotland said: "Edinburgh's Muslim community will not be cowed by those who seek to sow fear and division. We are deeply grateful for the many messages of solidarity and support from people of all faiths and backgrounds." Counter-terrorism officers are investigating, and police have spoken to over 90 multi-faith organisations since the incidents.
