Police in Charlottetown are investigating a series of bizarre incidents at a new mosque in the city.
The Masjid Dar As-Salam mosque has been open since July 14 and as many as 120 people attend prayers.
Members of Prince Edward Island’s Muslim community say they are deeply worried about what appears to be vandalism and threats, motivated by religious intolerance.
When construction started on the first Muslim mosque on the Island last October, a pig’s head was left on top of a post at the site.
“It came out of nowhere,” says Zain Esseghaier of the Prince Edward Island Muslim Society. “We had no idea this was going to happen.”
Four weeks ago, a contractor’s truck parked near the mosque overnight was set on fire. In the latest incident, a message saying “Defeat Jihad” was left on the front steps of the mosque, along with a bottle filled with gasoline.
Police were called to investigate each incident but now the leaders of the Island’s 600-member Muslim Society say it’s time the details were made public.
“It is disturbing. It is upsetting,” says Esseghaier. “We’re wondering why we’re being targeted.”
“One incident might be just by chance, but two or three? The community is really, really concerned,” says society president Najam Chishti.
Police aren’t saying much about their investigation into the incidents but the Muslim Society has decided to erect a fence around the mosque and is installing infrared cameras.
They also hope that by making the details of the incidents public, tips might help the police track down the culprit, or culprits, and lay criminal charges.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Dan Viau
