CANADA’S PM DENOUNCES HATE-MOTIVATED GRAFFITI AT MOSQUE IN ONTARIO

Islamic Centre of Cambridge was hit with hate-related graffiti.Doug Coxson/CambridgeToday

Thu 15 February 2024:

Justin Trudeau has condemned the incident that took place at a mosque in Cambridge, Ontario.

“The vandalism at the Islamic Centre of Cambridge — and the rise in Islamophobia across the country — is alarming, abhorrent, and unacceptable,” he wrote on X.

“I strongly condemn this incident and stand with Muslim communities against such hate. We must confront and combat Islamophobia together.”

The vandalism at the Islamic Centre of Cambridge – and the rise in Islamophobia across the country – is alarming, abhorrent, and unacceptable.

I strongly condemn this incident and stand with Muslim communities against such hate. We must confront and combat Islamophobia together.

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) February 14, 2024

Police report that Monday, at approximately 4 p.m., they received a report of graffiti at the centre on Dunbar Road.

The graffiti included hate-motivated symbols, namely swastikas.

The incident is believed to have occurred between 8 p.m. on Sunday and 4 p.m. Monday.

The investigation is ongoing by WRPS’ General Investigations Unit.

Islamic Centre chairperson Mohammad Darr said the centre has security cameras positioned around the gates but the area where the graffiti was spray painted is a blind spot.

“Someone is coming tomorrow and we’ll cover that area too,” he said.

Two pillars were marked at the exit gate with crude swastikas painted in black spray paint.

The incident has prompted the organization to consider closing the gates at its entrance and exit on International Village Drive when no one is there.

Darr said this is the first time the centre has experienced any type of hate motivated crime since its inception in 1989. The Islamic Centre has operated a school at the centre since 1992.

The leader of the Ontario Liberal Party. Bornnie Crombie also issued a tweet about the incident on Tuesday night in which she said she was “upset” by the incident.

“I’m upset to hear of vandalism at a mosque in Cambridge. Islamophobia is completely contrary to our values as Canadians,” Crombie wrote on X. “We need to all stand against hate in all its forms. Hateful incidents must stop and those breaking the law must be held to account.”

I’m upset to hear of vandalism at a mosque in Cambridge. Islamophobia is completely contrary to our values as Canadians.

We need to all stand against hate in all its forms. Hateful incidents must stop and those breaking the law must be held to account.#onpoli #cdnpoli https://t.co/wRcq51ObOU

— Bonnie Crombie 🇨🇦 (@BonnieCrombie) February 14, 2024