'Completely unacceptable': Alleged attack in Victoria, imam draws condemnation

'Completely unacceptable': Alleged attack on Victoria imam draws condemnation

Imam allegedly attacked on Thursday as he sat in his vehicle

Officials in British Columbia are condemning an alleged attack on the imam of a Victoria mosque last week.

According to the B.C. Muslim Association (BCMA), the head of the Masjid Al-Iman mosque was attacked in downtown Victoria on Thursday.

BCMA spokesperson Mohammed Imtiaz Asin said Ebrahim Ali reported that he was sitting in his car outside his home when he noticed someone inspecting the vehicle.

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Asin said when the man spotted Ali he tried to force the vehicle open. During the ensuing scuffle, the man told Ali, who was wearing his religious robes, to "go back to his country," according to Asin.

"The reason why we kind of wanted to share this story with the community was just making sure that our clergy — it doesn't matter what faith-based group they're part of — [are] extra safe and vigilant," he said.

Victoria police told CBC News that charges had been laid and that a suspect was remanded in custody, but that the file was "complex" and they would be unable to comment further until Tuesday.

Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto said the incident has left her disappointed and disheartened.

"It's unacceptable, completely unacceptable that anyone should be [a] victim of such an attack," Alto said.

"And certainly if this is an attack that was precipitated by a particular viewpoint, that is even more unacceptable."

Public Safety Minister Nina Krieger called the allegations "deeply concerning," adding her ministry was monitoring the situation.

"Every community needs to feel safe in British Columbia and nobody should feel targeted or unsafe because of who they are," she said.

On Sunday, federal Culture Minister Marc Miller also commented on the alleged attack, calling it "appalling and vile."

Ali escaped the incident without serious injuries and has returned to his duties with the mosque, according to Asin.

"He did mention to me that he is suffering from some light head injuries, he was a little bit dizzy, he has some bruises and bumps," Asin said.

"But this happened on Thursday evening. That guy woke up in the morning and headed straight to the mosque to conduct his Friday Jummah sermon, so that just shows the commitment that he has to the community."