Father of Saudi student stabbed in Cambridge condemns rise in ‘hateful rhetoric’ in UK

This article was first published on our partner site, Independent Arabia

The father of a Saudi student fatally stabbed in Cambridge last year has called on Britons to confront the hate speech and racism he believes cost his son his life.

Mohammed Algasim was killed by Chaz Corrigan in August in a random attack described by the trial judge as a “senseless” attack.

To talk Independent ArabiaYousef Algasim said his son’s murder was not just an isolated crime but was also a result of “racist and hateful rhetoric that has increased in recent years.” He added that such rhetoric “is rejected, condemned by all peoples and cannot be justified under any circumstances.”

On Thursday 4 June, Cambridge Crown Court sentenced 22-year-old Corrigan, who was found guilty of stabbing the Saudi student on 1 August 2025, to a minimum of 22 years and six months in prison. The attack, captured on CCTV footage, took place near student accommodation near Cambridge train station.

Mohammed, 20, was studying English at EF International Language School and hoped to go on to study medicine. The person died due to a single fatal stab wound 11.5 cm deep in his neck, which cut his carotid artery and caused catastrophic blood loss.

The victim’s father stated that his family has long considered Britain a leading destination for tourism and education, and stated that they “spent hundreds of thousands of riyals in Britain on tourism, shopping and the education of our children.” But he argued that the increase in hate speech and racism “makes the country less attractive as a destination” because “security comes first.”

He added that “a tourist or student who does not feel unsafe will see no reason to stay” and called on Britons to “stand up to right-wing parties whose presence has increased significantly in recent years” in order to maintain Britain’s image and status as a safe destination for visitors and students.

Mr Algasim described British people as “kind and friendly” but said many visitors no longer felt the sense of security they once felt in Britain. He noted that tourists were “now concerned about personal belongings or walking in some areas after dark”, which could influence many people’s decisions to travel to the UK in the future.

Criticizing the rise of hate speech, the Saudi father praised the work of the investigation team, British police and the Crown Prosecution Service, saying they had “worked tirelessly from the very beginning to gather evidence and uncover the truth.”

He added that the family knew the decision “will not bring Mohammed back” but they hope it “will help prevent crime, hold the perpetrator accountable, and eliminate those who threaten the security and stability of the community.”

The killing of Mohammed last year became a major public issue in Saudi Arabia, sparking widespread sympathy on social media; Many people shared memories of the young man who was known for his calm nature, dedication to volunteer work and determination to serve the community.

His father said Mohammed was “dedicated to his parents and a pillar of support for his family.” He was the only son of the family and the only brother of four sisters. He added that the solidarity shown by the Saudis helped ease the burden of their losses in the months leading up to the court’s decision. He emphasized that “every human life deserves respect, regardless of color, ethnicity or religion.”

In a statement read to the court by a relative on behalf of the victim’s father, Mr Algasim stated that his son was his right-hand man. She said the shock of losing him was overwhelming and the family continues to receive messages from strangers affected by his death. He also stated that his family is peaceful and has no history of involvement in any criminal activity or disputes.

During the trial, prosecutor Ruby Shrimpton told the court blood and urine samples taken about 18 hours after the attack showed Corrigan had used cocaine and cannabis. Prosecutor Nicholas Hearn also told the court Corrigan took a knife with him to the Earl of Derby pub in the early evening of the attack.

In his closing statement, Judge Dexter Dias said Corrigan was carrying a 13cm kitchen knife on the night of the attack and planned to use it as a weapon, fueled by alcohol-induced rage. The judge noted that Corrigan told the court that he had “no evil intention” when carrying the knife, but “his actions were deliberately violent and aggressive.”

Mr Hearn told the court during sentencing that the killer’s father, Peter Corrigan, had informed officers that his son was not at home and did not know where he was when police came looking for him. Mr Corrigan admitted moving clothes his son was wearing at the time of the attack, which were later found in a bin by police. He pleaded guilty to aiding a criminal on the grounds that he did not know that his son’s crime was murder, and was sentenced to two years in prison.

Translated by: Dalia Mohamed; Reviewed by Tooba Hokhar And Celine Assaf