Ottawa Police Investigate Reported Hijab-Pulling Incident

The Ottawa Police Service has initiated an investigation into a disturbing incident involving the pulling of a woman’s hijab during a protest at Ottawa City Hall on Tuesday. The incident occurred amidst demonstrations surrounding the raising of the Israeli flag in honor of the country’s independence day.

According to reports, a video circulating on social media captured the moment when an individual approached a woman participating in the protest. As the woman was chanting slogans and waving a Palestinian flag, the individual is seen pulling down her hijab before walking away. The video, although partially blurred, clearly depicts the distressing act, prompting widespread condemnation.

In response to the incident, the Ottawa Police Service’s hate crime unit has taken charge of the investigation. They have urged anyone with information regarding the incident to come forward and assist in the investigation process. The police have emphasized the seriousness of the matter and reiterated their commitment to addressing hate-motivated incidents in the community.

The protest at Ottawa City Hall was marked by tensions between pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian groups. While the Israeli flag-raising ceremony proceeded as planned, it was met with opposition from pro-Palestinian activists who demanded its cancellation due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Despite the controversy, the flag-raising event went ahead, albeit without a public ceremony.

It is worth noting that hate-motivated incidents in Ottawa have seen a significant increase in recent years, with a reported 19% rise in 2023 alone. The escalation in such incidents has been particularly notable since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October.