CANADIAN MOSQUE VANDALIZED WITH SLURS, NAZI SWASTIKAS

CAIR-CAN condemns vandalism, asks for probe as hate crime

(OTTAWA, CANADA - 9/17/06) - The Canadian Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CAN) today condemned the vandalism of the Manitoba Islamic Association mosque in Winnipeg that was spray-painted with profanities, ethnic slurs such as “packy” and Nazi swastikas. (“Paki” is a derogatory term referring to people of Pakistani heritage.) The vandalism was discovered early Saturday morning.

CAIR-CAN called on the Winnipeg Police to ensure that the incident is investigated swiftly as a hate crime and that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

This most recent episode is part of a disturbing trend of similar incidents that have occurred recently across Canada.

In a statement, CAIR-CAN said:

“The defacement of any place of worship is deeply offensive and hurtful and the accompanying slurs on the Winnipeg mosque clearly constitute a hate crime.

“CAIR-CAN encourages the people of Winnipeg and citizens of conscience across Canada to engage in outreach efforts. By strengthening relations and building bridges, Canadians stand united in defense of our democratic values. We must show hate groups that their malicious agendas will not be tolerated in civil society.”