Human rights group calls on Cobourg police to investigate Nazi flag incident as hate crime (Global News)

Cobourg police are investigating after a flag emblazoned with a swastika was put up outside a home in the town’s west end last Friday night.

Police say the homeowners didn’t know anything about it.

The flag, which was zip-tied over a Canadian flag, was removed by police.

The investigation has now caught the attention of Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC), a human rights group that counters racism and anti-Semitism.

“We’re no longer surprised by this sort of thing,” said Avi Benlolo, FSWC president and CEO. “We’re reacting to it and informing the community at large and working with police to try and stop it.”

FSWC is calling on Cobourg police to upgrade its investigation from mischief to a hate crime.

Benlolo adds it would also help with statistics to track hateful incidents in Canada.

“They are promoting and are motivated by hate. They are trying to victimize and terrorize the community around them. They are making a statement of hate,” said Benlolo.

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