Zoom bombing incident considered hate crime: WRPS

It was a tragic incident made even worse.

The Coalition of Muslim Women of KW (CMW) held an online vigil over Zoom in June, as residents joined to mourn and come to grips with the killing of a Muslim family in London.

But during that vigil for the Azfal family, around 800 people witnessed what's referred to as a “Zoom bombing,” when several people took to the chat and posted disturbing and offensive slurs.

The incident is now being categorized as an Islamophobic hate crime.

“This is a breakthrough moment,” Fauzia Mazhar, the CMW's executive director said in a statement. “So often, incidents like these go unaccounted or unreported. I am happy that it is being recognized for what it really is – an Islamophobic, hate attack.”

“I hope this will encourage victims of hate crimes to come forward to report, and seek resolutions.”

Regional Police Chief Bryan Larkin said incidents like this will not be tolerated.

“I want to assure the community that this is a very open and ongoing investigation with dedicated resources assigned to it,” Larkin said. “We are thankful to the Coalition of Muslim Women for their ongoing partnership as we all work together towards building a safer community for all, as well as ensuring long-term strategies for prevention.”

The information will also be uploaded to Statistics Canada.

– With files from Germain Ma.