On Friday, February 16th, multiple anti-Muslim groups Canadians Aginst Islamization(CAI), Never Again Canada, and Suffragettes Against Shariah protested outside of Toronto Mosque, Toronto, Canada, and blocked Muslim from entering and leaving for Jummah Prayer.
As ppl go to pray, there's an awful protest outside Toronto Masjid with signs like "Ban Islam" and "Muslims are terrorists" #m103 #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/pGwJamurUu
— Safiah (@SafiahC) February 17, 2017
The protest which was made up of about a dozen people, the group made a clear attempt to intimidate Muslims during their Friday prayer.
Y'all. This happened in Toronto. In Canada. Outside a mosque. On Friday. But racism died here right? (Credit: CBC) pic.twitter.com/98nNYk2fMp
— boqor riya. (@hausofriya) February 17, 2017
Disgusting to see this display of hate & islamophobia on the streets of Toronto & outside a mosque. Shame on them. pic.twitter.com/314igZgskN
— Rob Cerjanec (@robcerjanec) February 17, 2017
Toronto Police is currently investigating the protest and determining whether the protest can be considered a hate crime due to the intimidating behavior of the protestor and the derogatory signs wielded. Constable Allyson Douglas-Cook said There's a "fine line" between the free expression of thoughts and views, and breaching the law or violating a particular group.
Rally by anti-Muslim activists outside of Toronto's main mosque downtown. Making ppl nervous in light of #QuebecShooting pic.twitter.com/tpaZA3zyNs
— Steven Zhou (@stevenzzhou) February 17, 2017
Muslim Association of Canada released a statement regarding the Masjid Toronto protest, “No Canadian should feel intimidated when walking into their synagogue, church, temple or mosque. We are thankful to our fellow Canadians who joined with us today against this attack on religious freedom and Canadian values. The safety and security of our worshippers is paramount. We thank Toronto Police Services for their on-going support and their swift attention. We also thank our fellow Torontonians and Canadians who have expressed their support.”
After the protest many people left notes of support fro the Muslim community in Toronto.
Apparently this group is going from Mosque to Mosque downtown but take a look at what happened after they left Masjid Toronto... pic.twitter.com/HYnoTHn1pG
— Farah Nasser (@FarahNasser) February 17, 2017
Some counter protesting ppl left tokens of solidarity behind at the mosque in downtown Toronto. pic.twitter.com/aC138Kzmpq
— Steven Zhou (@stevenzzhou) February 17, 2017
Stopped by Masjid Toronto, mosque targeted by Islamophobic mob yesterday. Today covered in posters of love. Imam was very thankful. #TOpoli pic.twitter.com/oTOjG0OMHq
— Jennifer Hollett (@jenniferhollett) February 18, 2017