Afzaal Family Case Shows Muslims Are Victims of Terrorism: Canadian Expert
The upcoming jury trial scheduled to commence on Monday, in which Nathaniel Veltman faces charges of four counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder, will serve as a significant examination of Canada's terrorism legislation.
Veltman, the accused in the case, has entered a plea of not guilty regarding the assault on the Afzaal family that occurred on June 6, 2021, in London, Ontario. In addition to the aforementioned charges, he also faces a terrorism charge, necessitating that Crown prosecutors establish not only that his actions were premeditated and deliberate but also motivated by a political, religious, or ideological motive.
Barbara Perry, the Director of the Centre on Hate, Bias and Extremism at Ontario Tech University spoke to CBC, highlighting the importance of expanding the definition of terrorism.
“It's so important. The preoccupation, as I've described it, has served to enflame Islamophobia in our country and not just our country but across the West,” she said.
“To equate Islam with terrorism has just done a horrible disservice and is part of the reason why we see these kinds of horrific acts, with people acting on those kinds of ideas,” she stressed.
“And on the other hand, it also signifies that there is a recognition of the harm done by this form of terrorism, Islamophobic or white supremacy, to the target community. It recognizes that Muslims are not the terrorists, Muslims are the victims in far too many cases,” she said.
This trial marks a groundbreaking moment in Canada's legal history, as it represents the first instance in which a terrorism charge will be presented to a jury in a first-degree murder case since the implementation of Canada's terrorism laws. The outcome of this trial could establish a significant precedent, potentially shaping the way similar cases are prosecuted in the future.
The expert added that the “right outcomes” could bring some sense of “peace and justice” to the Muslim community.
Source: Agencies
