Edmonton city police are investigating three incidents of hate vandalism including one at an east side mosque.
Imam Nasir Butt of the Baitul Hadi Mosque said Tuesday members of the congregation were saddened to learn the place of worship was targeted with a symbol of hate, a swastika, which was painted in red on the side of the building. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Canada condemned the vandalism in a news release Tuesday evening, saying the organization is deeply troubled and concerned.
Police said in a Wednesday news release that the symbol may have been there since as early as April. Police said two other similar incidents were reported in April within the same neighbourhood. One was reported on a vehicle and another on a fence. Police believe the same people or person may be responsible.
The police force’s hate crimes and violent extremism unit has been made aware and is being consulted with the divisional investigation.
Butt said the Muslim community is still grieving the allegedly hate-motivated, fatal attack on a London, Ont., family just nine days previous. The family is believed to have been targeted because they are Muslim.
“Because of that incident, they feel fear when they are going out, but at the same time we believe that many people, they showed the love and affection also empathy (to us),” he said in an interview.
“We don’t know what (the suspect’s) notion was to do (the graffiti), but that’s very sad for our community. Our Muslim community always promotes love and affection, love for all, hatred for none — that’s our slogan.”
Butt said he called police shortly after finding out about the graffiti Tuesday morning and officers were on the scene late Tuesday evening.
Butt said a police officer told him there have been other similar incidents in the neighbourhood.
Mayor Don Iveson issued a statement on Wednesday, saying he was “personally disturbed and angered by the hateful vandalism.”
“I’ve had the pleasure of visiting the Baitul Hadi Mosque over my time as mayor and have always been moved by the love, kindness and community spirit I’ve experienced there,” he said. “These acts of hate must stop. Our Muslim community deserves to feel safe and welcome in our city. Full stop.”
Iveson said he will be reaching out to the mosque to offer the city’s support
Source : Edmonton Journal .
