NCCM denounces two suspected hate crimes in Ontario
-For Immediate Release-
(Ottawa – May 22, 2015) The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), a prominent Muslim civil liberties advocacy organization, today condemns two suspected hate crimes committed this week in Ontario.
According to media reports, a church in Mississauga was vandalized with graffiti earlier this week. Anti-Semitic messages were reportedly left on the building.
Also this week, a Hamilton man originally from Iraq found his car vandalized and scrawled with offensive and derogatory language referencing his Arab background.
Police are investigating both incidents as hate crimes.
“To echo what a Hamilton city counsellor said following the news of the crime, it is indeed very troubling that such incidents still take place in today’s day and age. The vast majority of Canadians enjoy living in a country which celebrates all types of diversity and unites against hatred of any form,” says NCCM Executive Director Ihsaan Gardee.
“We believe these cowardly attacks against a place of worship and a Hamilton community member do not represent the sentiments of the vast majority of Canadians.
“We call on the authorities to fully investigate these incidents and to prosecute the perpetrators to the fullest extent of the law in order to send a strong message against potential hate crimes and intolerance. The NCCM urges elected leaders and security officials at all levels to publicly denounce these hateful acts,” says Gardee.
“We also urge community leaders to review the NCCM’s Community Safety Kit and to immediately report such incidents and suspicious behaviour to the proper authorities.
Victims are encouraged to document any possible hate crime or incident to the NCCM, in order to establish a clear record of such events and for our Annual Hate Crimes Report.”
The NCCM is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit grassroots advocacy organization. It is a leading voice for Muslim civic engagement and the promotion of human rights.
CONTACT: Ihsaan Gardee, Executive Director, 613.254.9704 or 613.853.4111
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