Charges Filed After Muslim Woman Assaulted in Oshawa Pizza Shop
Durham Regional Police say the incident occurred shortly after midnight on July 2 at a Pizza Pizza location on Wentworth Street West. Officers responded to reports of an assault at the store after a group of young individuals allegedly attempted to steal canned drinks.
According to police, one suspect jumped behind the counter and was confronted by the store owner, prompting a violent altercation. Several others reportedly followed and physically assaulted the woman in what police described as a "swarming."
A 13-year-old girl and a 14-year-old girl have been charged with assault causing bodily harm. A 13-year-old boy has also been identified and is wanted on the same charge, in addition to obstructing police and breaching a release order. An 11-year-old boy was identified as a suspect but cannot be charged due to his age. Police are still trying to identify one additional female suspect, believed to be between 12 and 15 years old.
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Durham police say the investigation remains ongoing and that, so far, there is no evidence to support hate as a motivating factor. However, the case is being reviewed by both the Hate Crime Unit and the Equity and Inclusion Unit.
The incident sparked concern among advocacy groups and the wider community of Muslims in Canada, especially after reports that the victim, who is in her 40s, had her hijab forcefully removed during the attack. A coworker, Ferry Bansal, told local media that the hijab removal was “totally racist,” even though no verbal slurs were heard during the assault.
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The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) has condemned the attack and urged law enforcement to classify it as a hate crime. In a statement, the NCCM described the assault as "appalling" and noted that the woman had been punched, kicked, and stomped.
This case follows another reported assault on a Muslim woman earlier this year in Ajax, adding to growing concerns about Islamophobia in Canada and the rise of hate crimes targeting Muslim women. The NCCM has called for stronger action to address what it sees as a troubling trend.
Source: Agencies
