Alleged Attack on Victoria Imam Draws Condemnation From Officials
Liam O'Connell
6/23/20262 min read
Officials in British Columbia are condemning an alleged attack on the imam of a Victoria mosque after he was reportedly assaulted while sitting in his vehicle last week.
According to the B.C. Muslim Association, Ebrahim Ali, the head imam of Masjid Al-Iman in Victoria, was attacked in downtown Victoria on Thursday.
BCMA spokesperson Mohammed Imtiaz Asin said Ali reported that he was sitting in his car outside his home when he noticed someone inspecting the vehicle.
Asin said that when the man saw Ali, he tried to force the vehicle open. During the struggle that followed, the man allegedly told Ali, who was wearing religious robes, to “go back to his country.”
Muslim Association Urges Vigilance
Asin said the association wanted to share the incident publicly to remind faith leaders and communities to remain cautious.
He said the concern extends beyond one mosque or one religious community, and that clergy from all faith backgrounds should be able to feel safe.
Ali did not suffer serious injuries, according to Asin, but he did report light head injuries, dizziness, bruises and bumps.
Despite the incident, Asin said Ali returned to the mosque the next morning to deliver the Friday Jummah sermon.
He said that showed the imam’s commitment to serving his community.
Police Say Charges Have Been Laid
Victoria police said charges have been laid and that a suspect has been remanded in custody.
Police described the file as complex and said they would not be able to provide further comment until Tuesday.
No further details about the accused or the specific charges have been released.
Officials Condemn Alleged Attack
Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto said the incident left her disappointed and disheartened.
She called the alleged attack completely unacceptable, particularly if it was motivated by a specific viewpoint or bias.
B.C. Public Safety Minister Nina Krieger described the allegations as deeply concerning and said her ministry is monitoring the situation.
She said every community in British Columbia deserves to feel safe and that no one should feel targeted because of who they are.
Federal Culture Minister Marc Miller also condemned the alleged attack, calling it appalling and vile.
The incident has prompted renewed concern about the safety of faith leaders and the need to ensure religious communities can worship and serve without fear.
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