The Canadian Bazaar
MISSISSAUGA: A 47-year-old man, who is accused of vandalism at the Muslim prayer area at Toronto Pearson Airport, has been arrested.
Jean Francois Ouellette-Godin, against whom a warrant was issued on April 1, was arrested by Toronto Police on April 2. Toronto Police contacted Peel Police which took custody of the accused.
He was released on an undertaking to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton on June 7.
The suspect was present on the arrivals level at Terminal 3 at about 2.30 pm on March 21 when the Muslim prayer area was vadalized.
At that time, police say, the suspect entered the multi-faith prayer room and began causing damage.
Treating it as a hate incident, a warrant for his arrest was issued.
“This incident was a violation of the sanctity of a prayer space – a place where our Muslim community can take time to pray and reflect. We will not tolerate any activity or crime that is rooted in hate or bias. We are committed to locating the suspect and bringing closure to our community,” said Peel Police chief Nishan Duraiappah.
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