Imam Attack Condemned
Federal Minister, Muslim Group Decry Alleged Racist Attack on Victoria Imam
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An imam at a Victoria mosque was allegedly attacked in his car after leading evening prayers on June 18, with his assailant forcing open the door, physically assaulting him, and shouting "Go back to your country," according to The Canadian Press. Federal Culture Minister Marc Miller condemned the incident as "appalling and vile," while the National Council of Canadian Muslims called it "absolutely unacceptable."
The victim, Sheikh Ebrahim, is an imam at the BC Muslim Association mosque in Victoria. Airdrie City View reported that a suspect has since been arrested, though Victoria Police have not yet confirmed formal charges or the suspect's identity.
Attacker Forced Open Car Door Outside Victoria Mosque
The attack happened around 9:30 to 10:30 PM on June 18, after Sheikh Ebrahim finished leading prayers. An unidentified person allegedly forced open the imam's car door and attacked him while shouting Islamophobic slurs, according to St. Albert Gazette. The phrase "Go back to your country" was directed at the imam during the assault.
The BC Muslim Association and the NCCM worked with the Victoria Police Department in the days following the attack to assess safety and push for accountability, Lethbridge News Now reported. Victoria Police are under pressure from advocacy groups to officially classify the incident as a hate crime.
Minister Miller and NCCM Issue Sharp Condemnations
On June 21, Minister Marc Miller posted a public condemnation on social media, calling the attack "appalling and vile" and stating that "violence and Islamophobia have no place in Canada," according to Richmond News. Miller holds the federal portfolio for Canadian Identity and Culture under the Carney Ministry.
The NCCM released its own statement on June 20, calling the assault "a stark reminder of the danger that rising Islamophobia poses to our communities every day." The group called on leaders at all levels of government to move beyond words and take "concrete action" to protect Muslim communities.
Anti-Muslim Hate Crimes Have Surged Across Canada
The attack comes amid a sharp rise in hate-motivated incidents. Police-reported hate crimes targeting Muslims grew 173% from 2020 to 2024, according to the Canadian Human Rights Commission. Statistics Canada recorded a 94% spike in anti-Muslim hate crimes in 2023 alone.
Researchers at York University documented an 1,800% surge in Islamophobic incidents in some Canadian regions following the October 7, 2023 attacks in the Middle East. Legal experts note that the attacker's alleged "go back to your country" slur provides strong grounds for a hate-motivation charge under Section 718.2 of Canada's Criminal Code.
Victoria Mosque Community Seeks Stronger Security Protections
The BC Muslim Association is expected to tighten security for its clergy and staff following the attack. Advocacy groups are calling for increased federal funding through the Security Infrastructure Program, which provides money for physical barriers and surveillance at religious sites, according to The Hamilton Spectator.
The assault is also likely to fuel debate over pending federal legislation aimed at combatting hate crimes. The NCCM has made clear that community safety cannot wait. "To see a respected religious leader targeted in this manner," the group said, "is absolutely unacceptable."
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