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Community Reacts to Violent Attack on Woman Wearing Hijab in Ajax

The Ajax, Ontario community is reeling after a disturbing incident was reported over the weekend involving an attack on a Muslim woman wearing a hijab. Local residents have expressed their shock and horror as details of the assault emerged, prompting concerns regarding safety and intolerance in public spaces.

Police from Durham Regional responded to an urgent call at the Ajax Public Library’s main branch around noon on Saturday. According to reports, the victim was engaged in her studies when she was confronted by a 25-year-old woman who began hurling insults and throwing objects at her.

The situation escalated when the suspect attempted to remove the hijab from the woman’s head, subsequently pouring an unidentified liquid onto it. Eyewitness accounts revealed that the attacker then used a lighter in an attempt to ignite the woman’s hijab. The victim’s cries for help drew the attention of security personnel, who intervened promptly.

After the assailant fled the scene, law enforcement located and arrested her just a few hours later. She now faces two counts of assault with a weapon and three counts for breaching her probation conditions. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.

In a joint statement, Ajax Council and the Ajax Library Board expressed their dismay over the alleged hate crime, indicating that the act seemed motivated by Islamophobia. “We are horrified by the act of violence which appears to have been motivated by Islamophobia,” the statement read. “The Library strives to be a safe and welcoming space for everyone, and acts of hate and violence will not be tolerated in any town facility or public space.”

Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to support those affected by this incident, particularly at a sensitive time during Ramadan, a month of reflection and community for many Muslims. The statement emphasized a collective stand against hate and intolerance.

In the aftermath, various Canadian Muslim organizations voiced their condemnation. The National Council of Canadian Muslims noted their outrage, stating they were “horrified, though not shocked” by the violent attack, urging a thorough investigation as a hate crime.

Similarly, the Muslim Advisory Council of Canada highlighted the premeditated nature of the assault, characterizing it as a “brazen act of Islamophobia and gendered violence” and stressing that “Muslim women deserve to feel safe.”

The incident has not only shaken the local Muslim community but has also prompted broader discussions about safety, respect for diversity, and the need for societal change to eradicate hate in all its forms.

Source
www.yahoo.com