By Mary McDonald, 580 CFRA Radio (Ottawa, Ontario, Canada)
The Mayor and the Chief of the Ottawa Police Service are moving to reassure the city’s Muslim community.
This follows the raid on an Orleans home, and the arrest of a young Muslim man on charges of terrorism.
24-year-old Mohammed Momin Khawaja was arrested last Monday and is accused of terrorist activites in Ottawa and London in the U-K.
Mayor Bob Chiarelli and Police Chief Vince Bevan have issued a joint statement acknowledging the value and contributions made by the local Muslim community to our society.
They say it is likely members of the Muslim community are feeling anxious and fearful in light of the recent police activities in Ottawais east end.
Chiarelli and Bevan say recent investigations haven’t focused on specific cultural groups or religions, but on individuals and their activities.
They’ve also warned that those who harm members of the community as a result of hate or intolerance will bear the full brunt of the law.