An Egyptian student was attacked in February and died on March 12 due to a related brain injury. Now, the Egyptian Embassy in London is urging the U.K. authorities to act. 

Mariam Moustafa was studying abroad in Nottingham, England when she was attacked by a group of girls ages 15 to 17. According to The Cut, the girls punched and dragged Mariam down the street, and even followed her onto a bus where they continued to harass and abuse her. The 18-year-old was taken to a hospital for her injuries and was released the following afternoon. However, she soon after suffered from a brain haemorrhage and was placed into a medically-induced coma. 

Mariam’s family believes the attack was racially motivated. Mallak Moustafa, Mariam’s sister, said she recalled her being attacked by the same group of girls late last year. 

“I do think that vital warnings were missed,” Mallak told The Cut. “The police should’ve done something after the first attack but they did nothing.”

Mohamed, Mariam’s father, also believes the attack was racially motivated. He cites that the girl group would refer to Mariam as a "black rose."

He went on to say, “Mariam didn’t know these girls, why would you attack someone randomly? They were all of different skin color to Mariam. Maybe that is why they did this.” 

British officers, however, are not as convinced. 

“At this time, from our investigation, there is no information to suggest that the assault was motivated by hate but we continue to keep an open mind,” Nottinghamshire police said. 

Mariam’s father has a critique for Nottinghamshire Police Department, though, and has requested to see more action on their part to solve this case. 

“It has been nearly 20 days and the girls who were involved in the assault haven’t been arrested,” Mohamed told The Guardian. “The British police haven’t given me any details about what happened nor has the hospital provided us a single report.”

The Egyptian embassy in London agrees with these sentiments, urging British officials in a statement saying:

“The government of Egypt and embassy have been closely following circumstances of this vicious attack with the relevant British authorities and express the need for those responsible be brought to justice swiftly.”

While Mariam's family waits for justice, they continue to mourn her death. 

“Now I feel like I have lost my other half,” Mallak said. “I don’t know who to speak to. I don’t have my sister.”