Ontario Investigates Anti-Muslim Graffiti as Hate Crime Unit Steps In
The discovery of the offensive messages has prompted strong condemnation from local officials and renewed calls for vigilance against Islamophobia, Insauga reported on Tuesday.
“I am deeply saddened and disturbed by the discovery of anti-Muslim graffiti,” said Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy, who described the acts as part of a “troubling trend” of rising hate crimes across Canada. “Islamophobia and all forms of hate and discrimination are unacceptable and have no place in Whitby.”
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Roy pointed to recent data from Statistics Canada, which showed a 32 percent increase in police-reported hate crimes in 2023, reflecting what she described as a broader “wave of hate-motivated acts in communities of all sizes.”
“No one in our community should ever feel unsafe or unwelcome because of who they are or how they worship,” she added.
The Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) has assigned its Hate Crime Unit to investigate the incidents.
In a statement, the department said, “The language involved is offensive and has a significant impact on our Muslim community,” emphasizing that DRPS “does not tolerate any form of hate speech or hate-motivated crimes in our community.”
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Town officials are working with affected property owners to remove the graffiti swiftly. Police are encouraging residents to report any similar incidents by calling (905) 579-1520.
Source: Agencies
