Tragic Events of 20 and 22 October 2014: CQCI Warns against Political Manipulation and Reactionary Policies

Montreal, Friday 24 October 2014 – In the wake of the tragic events that took place in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu and Ottawa, the Quebec Collective against Islamophobia (CQCI) strongly denounces premature conclusions drawn by media in its coverage of these sad events; in particular, its almost exclusive focus on the religion of the men who carried out these actions.

« From the outset, commentators and hosts alike have passed over many probable causes to focus exclusively on conversion to Islam or the religion itself as the main cause, » stated Adil Charkaoui, CQCI coordinator.

CQCI notes that even a cursory glance at the facts exposes the xenophobia and Islamophobia of the hypotheses propounded in the mass media. « At 25 and 32 years old, Martin Couture-Rouleau and Michael Zehaf-Bibeau can hardly be called radicalized youth! No more are they poorly integrated immigrants nor fundamentalists indoctrinated by local mosques. However, these facts are for the most part sidelined in the main narratives spun by the media, » added Charkaoui.

The CQCI also abhors the Conservative government’s attempts to instrumentalize these events to serve its war agenda in the Middle East and introduce further repressive policies within Canada. « We are witnessing a clear recuperation of these tragic events to weaken civil liberties in Canada and justify an unpopular military intervention in Iraq, » said Charkaoui.

The CQCI calls for calm and reminds political decision-makers and social actors not to further stigmatize the Muslim community, not to play into a climate of fear and insecurity in Canada, and to respect the rule of law and principles of fundamental justice in its treatment of all crimes committed in Canada.

-30-

Contact:
514-653 2079
info@islamophobiequebec.org

Source:
Quebec Collective against Islamphobia (CQCI)
514-653 2079
info@islamophobiequebec.org
www.islamophobiequebec.org
https://twitter.com/CQCI_info
www.facebook.com/Collectif.Contre.Islamophobie.Quebec

The Quebec Collective against Islamphobia (CQCI) is a non-profit organized devoted to opposing Islamophobia in all its forms and in all areas of society.