Ottawa: A security guard sub-contracted to work for Canada's Via Rail has been suspended pending investigation after a Muslim man was told not to pray at an Ottawa train station.
According to a report by CTV News Ottawa on Thursday, the worshipper, who gave his name only as Ahmad, had finished praying in a deserted hallway when a security guard approached him and warned him not to do so. Next time, pray outside.
According to Ahmed, the incident took place on Monday at the Canadian capital station. According to the Ottawa Citizen news website, a video of the incident showed the guard in the safety vest allegedly telling the man that other station patrons were being disturbed by his prayers.
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The man and the entire Muslim community received an explicit apology from Via Rail, which also promised to conduct a thorough investigation and take "appropriate action" in light of its findings.
The National Council of Muslims of Canada, a civil rights and advocacy organization, and Via Rail issued a joint statement following the meeting, calling it a "regrettable and sad incident", adding that both sides had constructive discussions and that the operator would continue to work. was increasing its diversity and inclusion policies.
The statement continued, "The conversation focused on shared objectives, which included ensuring that through rail provides an inclusive environment where passengers and staff feel safe exercising their right to freedom of religion, including the right to worship." Do it.
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Ahmed reportedly heard the guard say, "We don't want you to pray here. You're disturbing our other customers." Ahmed told CTV News that he felt shocked, hurt and humiliated after the incident. Was doing.
He claimed: "They embarrassed me. I was only reprimanded. This is Canada, right? Is this the country's capital? This is Ottawa, right? will collaborate "on any improvements that can be brought in to help prevent these incidents in the future" and will share their diversity and inclusion policies with them.
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The railway company said it strongly condemns Islamophobia and all forms of discrimination. The security guard was not a Via Rail employee, but a representative for the company said the company had asked its subcontractor to remove him from all Via Rail contracts while the investigation was ongoing. Since then Ahmed has been in touch with the NCCM.