Coalition of Muslim Women of K-W issue statement following Afzaal family killer’s sentencing

The Coalition of Muslim Women of K-W said they stand with the Afzaal family following the sentencing of the man convicted of killing four members of the family in London.

In a statement shared on their Facebook page, the coalition said “the sentencing will bring definite relief to the Muslim community, which has been hurting since the day of the violent murders that killed three generations of a family.”

Sarah Shafiq, the director of advocacy, research and outreach for the Coalition of Muslim Women of K-W said while the sentencing will not bring the family back, it will bring some closure to the family and the community.

“The community has certainly gone through a lot,” said Shafiq. “These trials, final verdict and the decision and how it was portrayed, it really does bring closure home. The family need that. The community needed that.”

23-year-old Nathaniel Veltman was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 25 years. He was convicted of four counts of first-degree murder and one attempt of attempted murder after killing four members of the Afzaal family in June 2021, and injuring another.

The judge presiding over the case said the killings were a “textbook example of terrorist motive and intent”, ruling the actions of the self-described white nationalist to be an act of terrorism.

Shafiq said the designation was “contentious,” but is also “calling a spade a spade.”

“These hate motivated crimes and terrorist acts do send a message, these are message crimes,” said Shafiq. “They’re not intended specifically for a particular individual… but for the whole community.”

The Coalition of Muslim Women of K-W said they offer an anti-hate service where those who have experienced hate can get one-on-one support. They have also created a hate reporting tool, where residents can report incidents in the community.