Canadian Muslims asked to report hate crimes

(October 28, 2014) – Canadian Muslims who have been the victim of a hate crime are being asked to immediately report the incident to the police as well as to the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM).

The advisory, issued by NCCM following the recent attacks in Ottawa and St-Jean-rue-Richelieu, is also asking Muslim communities across Canada to review their existing institutional safety and security measures

“Incidents of mosque vandalism, threats to mosques and intimidation of Canadian Muslims have been reported in Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario,” said Ihsaan Gardee, Executive Director of NCCM, in the advisory. “Community leaders and mosque administrators should read the NCCM’s Community Safety Guide, which offers practical tips and recommendations to help ensure the safety of congregations and Muslim institutions.”

“A hate crime is one in which hate is the motive and can involve intimidation, harassment, physical force or threat of physical force against a person, a group or a property, ” Gardee noted.

NCCM is asking Muslims to take the following actions in the event of an incident:
• Incidents of vandalism, physical assault or threats of violence should be immediately reported to local police and to the NCCM.
• Mosque and school administrators should report any threatening or hostile phone calls or messages to local police; do not engage hateful callers.
• Staff and volunteers should be asked to be vigilant about security and be prepared to report any incidents.
• Contact your local police and ask them to increase patrols around your institution.
• Report any incidents to the NCCM via our online Incident Report Form.
• Share this information with your friends and loved ones.