Montreal North mosque the target of vandalism, one arrest made
Posted July 31, 2023 12:13 pm.
Last Updated July 31, 2023 3:24 pm.
The Imam Warch Mosque in Montreal North was the target of an act of vandalism on Saturday afternoon.
The building, which also serves as a community centre, had its window smashed by pieces of concrete thrown around 3 p.m. The call to the SPVM was made around 3:10 p.m.
When police officers arrived on the scene, they arrested a 38-year-old man.
The individual was met by investigators and appeared in Quebec Court Sunday morning.
He remains in custody.
The police force says the hate crimes unit is investigating but it is too early to say whether the vandalism was motivated by hate.
Damages but no injuries reported
Two windows were smashed and a carpet was damaged. Fortunately, however, the incident did not cause any injuries.
Children were in the building when the act of vandalism was committed, but were in another room when the incident occurred.
Je condamne fermement les gestes de vandalisme survenue contre une mosquée hier à MTL-Nord
On compte aucun blessé, mais d’importants dommages. Il s’agit d’une 2ème agression contre un lieu de culte en juillet à MTL
J’espère que le @SPVM trouve rapidement le/les suspect(s) #polmtl pic.twitter.com/QKJKCEQAp0— Abdelhaq Sari Conseiller de ville à Montréal Nord (@sari_ab) July 30, 2023
In addition to religious activities, the mosque located on Henri-Bourassa Boulevard also hosts martial arts classes and day camps.
On Sunday, Ensemble Montréal city councillor Abdelhaq Sari strongly condemned the act of vandalism on Twitter.
“This is a second assault on a place of worship in July in MTL. I hope the SPVM finds the suspect(s) quickly,” he wrote.
The Canadian Muslim Forum issued a statement condemning the vandalism and expressing concern over acts of aggression against Muslim institutions.
