AhlulBayt News Agency: Authorities in Whitby are investigating two incidents of hate-motivated graffiti, both targeting the Muslim community. The discovery of the offensive messages has sparked strong condemnation from local officials and renewed calls for vigilance against Islamophobia.
Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy expressed deep concern over the graffiti, describing the acts as part of a "troubling trend" of rising hate crimes across Canada. She emphasized that Islamophobia and all forms of discrimination are unacceptable and have no place in Whitby.
Roy cited recent data from Statistics Canada, which reported a 32 percent increase in police-recorded hate crimes in 2023. She noted that this reflects a broader "wave of hate-motivated acts" affecting 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 stated.
The Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) has assigned its Hate Crime Unit to investigate the incidents. In a statement, DRPS denounced the graffiti, calling its language offensive and harmful to the Muslim community. The department reaffirmed that it does not tolerate hate speech or hate-motivated crimes.
Town officials are working with property owners to remove the graffiti quickly. Police encourage residents to report any similar incidents by calling (905) 579-1520.
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