Mosque vandalized in Trois-Rivières, community calls for hate investigation
Windows of the Mauricie Islamic Cultural Centre were smashed with stones Wednesday. The Canadian Muslim Forum is urging an investigation into what it calls Islamophobic vandalism.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
A mosque in Trois-Rivières was targeted by vandalism on Wednesday, June 17, with the attack drawing calls for a hate-motivated investigation.
Windows on the main facade of the Mauricie Islamic Cultural Centre were smashed with stones, according to a Facebook post from the centre. The incident comes on the heels of online harassment directed at the local Muslim community during a recent prayer gathering.
"When a place of worship is attacked, it sends a message of intimidation to an entire community," the centre said. "No one should have to wonder whether they can practice their faith safely in their own country."
The Canadian Muslim Forum (CMF) denounced the attack as an act of "Islamophobic vandalism" and called for an investigation into whether it was motivated by hate. Samer Majzoub, president of CMF, said the broader pattern is troubling.
"When Islamophobia hatred is allowed to spread unchecked, it creates an environment where intimidation and violence become more likely," Majzoub said. "No citizens should fear for their safety because of their faith."