Quebec: Social Media Threats against Eid Event Prompt Call for Investigation

IQNA – “Enough is enough.” That was the message Thursday from a Quebec Muslim advocacy group urging authorities to investigate a wave of hateful social media posts that followed a private Eid al-Adha gathering in Trois-Rivières, where families had come together to pray.

The comments first appeared online after a local radio host shared a Facebook post advertising the gathering, which took place Wednesday morning at the Trois-Rivières hippodrome.

The event itself was lawful and held on private property. According to Radio-Canada, about 200 people gathered peacefully for prayers marking Eid al-Adha, one of the most important holidays in Islam.

“The hateful reaction that followed once again highlights the dangers of unchecked Islamophobia, online hate, and extremist rhetoric targeting Muslim communities,” the Canadian Muslim Forum said in a statement Thursday.

According to organizers, the gathering marked the first time Eid prayers had been held outdoors in Trois-Rivières. Organizers rented the private site to allow worshippers to gather in a large open space.

The gathering itself unfolded peacefully, but organizers say hateful comments had already been circulating on social media in the days leading up to the event.

Some online comments referenced the Quebec City mosque shooting, while others suggested violence or used threatening language. CBC News also observed additional hateful reactions posted under related Facebook discussions, including bomb emojis and anti-Muslim comments.

Organizers contacted the Trois-Rivières police service before the event because of concerns related to the online rhetoric. Police officers were present near the site while prayers took place Wednesday morning.

The Canadian Muslim Forum says references to the perpetrator of the 2017 Quebec City mosque shooting, along with threats targeting Muslims, should be treated seriously by police and public officials.

The Trois-Rivières police service told CBC News they are aware of the online comments. However, they did not say whether an investigation has been launched or whether further action is being considered.

In its statement, the Canadian Muslim Forum thanked Trois-Rivières Mayor Jean-François Aubin for "publicly calling for calm and condemning the escalation of tensions." The group also called on other elected officials and community leaders to speak out against Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hatred.

“Every citizen deserves to live, believe, and gather in safety and dignity,” the organization said.

Eid al-Adha marks the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca and is associated with values of sharing and sacrifice in the Muslim faith.

Source: cbc.ca