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‘Canadian hate crime legislation thrown into disarray following Ahenakew acquittal,' says B’nai Brith CanadaPosted On 02/23/09
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
‘Canadian hate crime legislation thrown into disarray following Ahenakew acquittal,' says B’nai Brith Canada
TORONTO, February 23, 2009 – B’nai Brith Canada has expressed disappointment over the acquittal handed down earlier today in the case of disgraced Aboriginal leader David Ahenakew.
“The decision to acquit David Ahenakew of hate crime charges in no way vindicates his record of antisemitism and racism,” said Frank Dimant, B’nai Brith Canada’s Executive Vice President. “The rescinding of his Order of Canada stands as a testament to this fact and reflects a higher Canadian ideal that bigotry and prejudice have no place in civil society.
“No one disputes that Ahenakew has repeatedly engaged in hate-filled, antisemitic messaging, including a statement on how ‘Hitler got it right’ when he planned to annihilate the Jewish people. That this case failed to meet the legal standard for a conviction, throws into doubt the viability of Canada’s hate crimes legislation.
"We urge the Government to step in and take the opportunity to review hate legislation in light of ongoing manifestations of hate in this country.”
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For further information contact, Karen Lazar, National Director of Communications: 416-633-6224 X 140 (office) / 416-312-9173 (cell)
B’nai Brith has been active in Canada since 1875 as the Jewish community’s
foremost human rights organization
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