Two Teens Charged in Oshawa Assault Case Involving Muslim Woman

In Oshawa, Ontario, two girls, aged 13 and 14, face charges of assault after they were involved in a swarming attack against a Muslim woman. This incident occurred last week at a local Pizza Pizza restaurant, where it is reported that one of the suspects attempted to steal something from behind the counter. As the victim tried to intervene, she was reportedly surrounded and repeatedly kicked by other members of the group.

Alongside the two girls charged, an 11-year-old boy is being treated as a suspect but cannot be charged due to his young age. Additionally, police are looking for a 13-year-old boy linked to the incident and an unidentified girl estimated to be between 12 and 15 years old. Authorities have stated that they are investigating all potential motives for the assault, including the possibility that it was driven by hate; however, they have concluded that there is currently no evidence to support this view.

The alleged assault has caused significant distress within the Muslim community, with advocates expressing concerns about rising Islamophobic incidents. The victim's daughter conveyed that her mother is left feeling “deeply shaken,” highlighting the family’s worries for her safety. Omar Khamisa, the chief operating officer of the National Council of Canadian Muslims, expressed deep disappointment and anger regarding the event and emphasized the need for officials to act swiftly to combat hatred and violence against Muslims. He urged that immediate measures are necessary, rather than waiting for further incidents to occur.

Durham police explained that hate crime does not exist as a separate charge in Canada and that determining if hate was a factor in a crime involves discussions with the Crown attorney’s office. The National Council of Canadian Muslims has not yet responded to requests for further comments following the announcement of charges.