Challenges of Prosecuting Anti-Asian Hate Crimes

Former U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak speaks to the unique challenges of prosecuting hate crimes aimed at Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

TRANSCRIPT

- [Sandra Oh] The shootings in Atlanta revealed

that prosecuting hate crimes aimed at Asian Americans

presents unique challenges

compared to other targeted groups.

- [Byung J. Pak] We had a lot of instances where there

were nooses found in a workplace.

We know what that means.

It was geared towards intimidating Black workers.

In the Jewish community, there is the Nazi symbol,

but towards Asian American community,

we don't have one symbol or multiple symbols

that really solidify the ideology against Asian Americans,

so it makes it a little bit tougher.

So you have to really look

and dig to find evidence of that motive.

(dramatic orchestral rock music)