TORONTO (June 27, 2017) - Friends of SimonWiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies (FSWC) has filed a hate speechcomplaint with Toronto Police Hate Crimes Unit against Maulana Syed MohammadZaki Baqri of The Council of Islamic Guidance and Resident Alim of the Al MahdiCentre. 

In a speech at Queens Park on June 24, 2017 (not the LegislativePrecinct), Imam Baqri allegedly said the following: "Israel, Zionism,should and must know (speaking Arabic)... It is the law that whoever oppresses,he has to be eliminated. One day or the other." The following video hasbeen provided to police: https://www.dropbox.com/s/uhf1s45117y6ped/Maulana%20Syed%20Mohammad%20Zaki%20Baqri%20Speech.MOV?dl=0 

In a letter to Ontario's Attorney General, Yasir Naqvi, FSWCexpressed its belief that Baqri's speech violates sections 318 and 319 of theCriminal Code - Advocating Genocide and Public Incitement of Hatred.Section 318 states that "Every one who advocates or promotes genocide isguilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term notexceeding five years." Section 319 states that "Every one who, bycommunicating statements in any public place, incites hatred againstan identifiable group where such incitement is likely to lead to a breach ofthe peace is guilty of a) an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment...b) an offence punishable on summary conviction." 

"Al Quds Day" is an Iranian sponsored event thatpromotes antisemitism, Holocaust denial and the destruction of the State ofIsrael. In the past, speakers have also threatened to shoot Jews and last year,a school teacher was temporarily suspended from her board ofeducation after inciting violence. 

Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Centeris disheartened by the vilification of Jewish Canadians and Israel onToronto's streets. It is especially harmful to all the attending children whoare being taught to hate Jewish people. Our hope is that as Canadians we canall find ways to promote co-existence, peace and good citizenship - which iswhy FSWC has invested so heavily in programs like the Tour for Humanity,Freedom Day, Speakers Idol and Compassion to Action. These are programs whichbridge communities and open dialogue between communities. FSWC was especiallyproud this year to stand up for the children of Aleppo, Syria by hosting apress conference with five Holocaust Survivors - to plead for theirassistance and for the war to end. We must all work together to makethe world a better place.

To arrange an interview, please contact: swcmain@fswc.ca