CTV Toronto - Muslim moderates threatened in phone call

Muslim moderates threatened in phone call

Police have launched a hate-crime investigation after a phone call was received by the Muslim Canadian Congress from a man who vowed to "slaughter" members of the group unless they stop speaking publicly about Islam.

The message warned organization members that they must "cease from your campaign of smearing Islam" or "I will slaughter you." It was left on the voice mail of the secretary-general for the Congress on Monday.

The caller mentioned Congress founder Tarek Fatah and current president Farzana Hassan-Shahid by name.

Both have openly criticized the politicization of Islam and alleged influence of Iran and Saudi Arabia in Canadian mosques. They have also been threatened in the past.

After publishing her book "Islam, Women and the Challenges of Today," Hassan-Shahid faced hecklers and had her home vandalized.

"But swearing by God that `I will do this and slaughter all of you,' that's pretty chilling," she told the Toronto Star.

"He said that we are a Munafiq organization. Munafiq really means a 'hypocrite' and to call someone like me a hypocrite I think is totally erroneous and fallacious," Hassan-Shahid told CTV Newsnet.

"I have a different understanding of my faith and it's not hypocritical. I've been articulating it in a very honest manner so I think that that in itself is a fallacy and he needs to overcome it," Hassan-Shahid said, when asked what she would tell the caller if given a chance.

Known for his opposition to Sharia law, Fatah campaigned against a 2005 effort to introduce the religious arbitration courts into Ontario law.

A threat last August convinced him to resign as communications director for the Congress.

Jason Kenney, Canada's secretary of state for multiculturalism, said he was deeply disturbed by Monday's threat and notified Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day of the incident.

"Threats of violence against individuals for their political or religious views have no place in this country," Kenney told the Star.

"It's totally unacceptable and I would hope the whole community - both the Muslim communities and the broader community -- would stand in solidarity with those who are being threatened."

Reports say both Fatah and Hassan-Shahid won't stop speaking out but they are frustrated with the lack of public debate and the inability to air their views without the threat of violence.