Canadian police arrest suspect in “hate-motivated incident” at Ontario mosque
Date
4/10/2023 5:50:17 AM
(MENAFN) Canadian Police have arrested a male suspect and charged him with uttering threats, assault with a weapon, and dangerous driving after an alleged “hate-motivated incident” at a mosque in the city of Markham, Ontario. Sharan Karunakaran, 28, reportedly drove towards a worshipper and shouted threats and religious slurs before being arrested in Toronto. The incident took place during the holy month of Ramadan when thousands of worshippers attend the mosque in Markham. The Islamic Society of Markham (ISM) has reported that an individual entered the mosque, tore a Qur'an, and ranted at worshippers, though the police statement did not mention the Qur'an being torn.
Canadian Trade Minister Mary Ng condemned the incident as a hate crime and said that it had no place in Canadian society. Ng, who is also a local member of parliament, added that “This violence and Islamophobia has no place in our communities.” Police have scheduled Karunakaran’s next court appearance for Tuesday, April 18, at the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Newmarket. The incident highlights the ongoing issue of hate crimes against religious communities and underscores the need for continued efforts to combat discrimination and promote diversity and inclusivity in Canadian society.
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