The attacks on two mosques in western Quebec, Canada, are not only a sign of widespread intolerance, they should also be treated as hate crimes. This was stated by the president of the Muslim group that oversees Ottawa's Muslim community.
"In a city of one million people, there is always someone who doesn't like someone," said Mohammad Zakaria Khan, president of the Muslim Coordination Council of the National Capital Region. "Attacks like this happen from time to time, but not an ordinary problem."
He said his party was troubled by "repeated acts of vandalism" against a mosque in Gatineau. "This is clearly a hate crime and the authorities must act quickly to catch the perpetrators."
The Outaouais Islamic Center in Gatineau was vandalized twice a week ago. with smashed windows and spray-painted hate slogans. In addition, the board of the Aylmer Mosque received an email urging Muslims to leave Canada.
"We welcome Prime Minister Harper and Minister of Immigration and Citizenship Jason Kenney condemning the attack," Khan said in a statement.
“We note that the vandalism is also targeted at churches, synagogues, cemeteries, schools and private property. In a free country like Canada, it is unfortunate that some individuals abuse their freedom and try to harm others. "
He added that Muslims must obey the Koran and Hadith which emphasize honesty, integrity, courtesy, unity, act constructively, care for neighbors, relatives, orphans and dialogue, and respect each other with followers of other religions. (Mel / Vancouversun.com / ddhongkong.org). *
