Alleged attack on imam in Victoria condemned as hate crime
Head imam of Victoria mosque attacked near his car after Friday prayers. Federal minister calls assault 'appalling and vile,' Muslim groups decry rising Islamophobia.
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Muslim groups and Canada's Culture Minister Marc Miller are condemning an alleged attack on an imam in Victoria, B.C., calling it a sign of rising anti-Muslim violence in the country.
Ebrahim Ali, head imam of BCMA Masjid Al Iman Victoria, was seated in his vehicle near his home shortly after prayers on Thursday night when someone approached his car. According to the BC Muslim Association, the individual attempted to force open the car door when noticing the imam inside wearing his traditional white thobe.
The statement said a physical altercation ensued during which both individuals exchanged blows. The suspect reportedly directed xenophobic remarks at Ali, telling him to "go back to your home country."
The suspect fled the area. Ali called 911 and followed the person in his vehicle while still on the phone. A suspect was located and arrested.
Mohammed Imtiaz Asin, spokesman for the BC Muslim Association, said the imam suffered light head injuries but was well enough to conduct prayers on Friday. "Something like this has never happened before," Asin said, noting the imam was relatively new to Vancouver Island.
Miller said in a statement that the reported assault is "appalling and vile" and that such violence and Islamophobia have no place in Canada. The National Council of Canadian Muslims said the incident is a reminder of the danger rising Islamophobia poses. "We cannot stand by as incidents like this continue to happen with such shocking frequency," the council said.
