NCCM condemns vicious attack on Sikh man in Quebec City

Calls on authorities to press hate crime charges

(Ottawa – April 2, 2016) The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), a prominent civil liberties & advocacy organization, condemns the vicious attack on an Ontario Sikh man during a visit to Quebec City over the Easter long weekend.

According to a media report, which includes video of the assault, Supninder Singh Khehra was looking for a taxi cab with his friends in Quebec City when three young men approached him and began to beat him up, motioning to his turban. One man has been charged with assault.

“Canadians are united against hatred of any kind,” says NCCM Executive Director Ihsaan Gardee. “One act of xenophobic hatred is one too many. We stand in solidarity with Canada’s Sikh communities in categorically denouncing this abhorrent act; we urge Quebec’s elected officials to do the same.

“We further urge the authorities in Quebec to consider this attack as a hate crime and prosecute the perpetrators of this assault to the fullest extent of the law in order to send a strong message that such hateful acts will not be tolerated.

“We ask community members to remain vigilant and to immediately report suspicious behaviour, or incidents, to the authorities in order to establish a clear record,” adds Gardee. “Mr. Khehra has demonstrated courage in coming forward and speaking out against his assailants. We commend him for demanding justice.”

The NCCM is an independent, non-partisan, and non-profit grassroots advocacy organization. It is a leading voice for Muslim civic engagement and the promotion of human rights.

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