Concern at Anti-Muslim Attacks in Ottawa and Vancouver

(August 1, 2009) The Canadian Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CAN) today expressed concern regarding the recent round of unprovoked attacks in Vancouver and Ottawa targeting Canadian Muslims.

In Ottawa two Muslim women who wear the hijab were attacked by the same assailant while walking in the street—one was punched in the shoulder and the other was kicked in the leg.

In Vancouver, a Muslim journalist seated in a bus after leaving prayer and dressed in traditional attire was called “Bin Laden” repeatedly by another passenger who subsequently punched him in the head for which he required hospital care.

“All Canadians, including Muslims and their fellow citizens of conscience, are disgusted by these types of cowardly and hateful acts and law enforcement officials are urged to investigate these as potential hate crimes and prosecute those responsible to the fullest extent of the law,” said CAIR-CAN Executive Director Ihsaan Gardee.

“We encourage Canadian Muslims to report any acts of violence or vandalism against their persons or property to the appropriate authorities and to CAIR-CAN so that a clear record can be kept of these incidents,” said Gardee.