Pakistanis wouldn’t try to hug stranger at home

Having lived in Pakistan I can state the actions of a mature PhD student in hugging a female student at UCC as “thank you” is something that would be completely unacceptable in his own culture (Irish Examiner, ‘Judge rules that student’s ‘thank you’ hug was sexual assault). 

We should continue to welcome all foreigners into our society. However females, in particular, need to be security aware as in some cultures females are considered “chattels” and treated as such. I hope the relevant government department will review the visa issued to this mature foreign student to avoid re-occurrence or possibly a more serious offence.

Michael A. Moriarty