Canada: Racist tirade against Indian couple in Peterborough sparks outrage; one arrested
One perpetrator even threatened to kill the victim. Following public outrage and the sharing of the video online, police arrested an 18-year-old, charging him with uttering threats.
Peterborough, Ontario: A disturbing video capturing a brazen racist attack on an Indian couple in a Peterborough mall parking lot has gone viral, igniting widespread condemnation and demands for accountability.
The incident occurred when the Indian man confronted a group of Canadians for allegedly damaging his vehicle. Instead of settling the dispute, the perpetrators unleashed a torrent of racial slurs and death threats.
The disturbing footage, shared widely on social media, reveals the men hurling offensive remarks at the Indian man, including "big nose" and "you f*ing immigrant." One of the perpetrators went as far as to threaten the man's life, shouting, "Do you want me to get out of the car and f*ing kill you?"
Another man was heard taunting, "Hey, big nose, you know it’s not illegal to go in front of your vehicle and h* you. Did I touch you? Did I touch you, yes or no? Answer my question, you f*ing Indian."
The confrontation escalated when one of the men exited his vehicle to hump the Indian couple's car while continuing his tirade. The victim attempted to record the license plate and instructed someone to contact the police.
The victims expressed their profound distress, with one stating online, "My partner and I are still traumatised and I am posting so that it does not happen to someone else, and we want justice."
Following the public outcry, police arrested an 18-year-old from the City of Kawartha Lakes. The teenager has been charged with uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm and is scheduled to appear in court on September 16.
Peterborough Police confirmed they launched an investigation on August 8 after reviewing the viral videos, which clearly displayed "hate-based language." Police Chief Stuart Betts emphasised the unacceptability of such behaviour, stating, "Anybody who has seen the video in this case will understand that that type of behaviour is not acceptable in our community, nor any community."
He further urged residents to report all hate bias incidents and crimes to the police, stressing the importance of such reports for thorough investigations and appropriate charges.