Edmonton rally demanding protection for Muslim women draws hundreds
Rally comes just days after two Muslim women were attacked in St. Albert
Just days after two Muslim women were attacked in St. Albert, hundreds of people attended an anti-hate rally in Churchill Square in downtown Edmonton.
Organizers called on Edmontonians to gather and demand action to protect Muslim women.
The St. Albert attack is the latest in an alarming string of incidents, including another attack on a woman wearing a hijab in central Edmonton.
Chants of "make our streets safe!" rang out from the stage as speakers addressed the crowd, which included people from many different backgrounds.
Activist Ahmed Ali told the crowd he hoped the rally would help heal those that have been attacked but that they shouldn't have to gather to fight hate.
"It is not OK for my sisters to have to worry about walking outside and determining what colour of hijab to wear so they don't stand out," Ali said.
Amira Shousha, National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) Alberta representative, said that extra security precautions were taken to ensure the safety of rally attendees and participants.
"It's sad that we even have to police officers and peace officers here to ensure that the people who want to speak against injustice are [protected]," Shousha said.
Shousha said the NCCM would like to see a committee formed to address Islamophobia.
