After an alleged assault at an Ottawa transit station in August, the victim is questioning why the incident was not publicly disclosed despite being investigated by the Ottawa Police Service’s hate and bias crime unit. The attack at Blair station on August 25 involved Arfon Barow, a 64-year-old Muslim woman wearing a hijab, who sustained injuries that are still healing nearly two months later.
Barow expressed her desire for people to understand her suffering and witness the ordeal she endured. She highlighted the severity of her injuries and emphasized the importance of raising awareness to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. Despite the incident, neither the police nor OC Transpo issued any public statements at the time.
Reporting such incidents, especially within communities where trust in local authorities is fragile, is crucial according to Abdirizak Mohamud, director of the Suradway Parents’ Association of Ottawa. Mohamud stressed the significance of transparency and consistent responses to such incidents to reinforce trust among residents.
The Ottawa police informed CBC that on August 25, special constables responded to an assault complaint at Blair Road. The investigation was subsequently transferred to the hate and bias crime unit, leading to the charging of a 49-year-old woman with assault causing bodily harm.
Barow recounted being harassed and filmed by a woman on an OC Transpo bus before the assault occurred at Blair station. Despite the presence of bystanders, no one intervened as the woman physically attacked Barow. Although Barow managed to escape, she sustained severe injuries, necessitating medical attention and ongoing recovery.
Barow expressed disappointment that her assault was not publicized while other hate-motivated incidents received widespread attention. She expressed uncertainty about the reasons behind the lack of public disclosure, suggesting a potential attempt to conceal the incident.
The Ottawa Police Service defended its decision not to publicize every hate-related investigation, citing privacy concerns, the need to safeguard ongoing inquiries, and the necessity for public cooperation. Mohamud underscored the need for consistent reporting of hate crimes to instill confidence in marginalized communities and ensure their safety is prioritized.
Aisha Sherazi, a local Muslim community leader, emphasized the importance of sharing information on hate-related incidents to foster trust and enhance public safety. Sherazi acknowledged the delicate balance law enforcement faces in informing the public while mitigating fear but stressed the value of transparency in community engagement.
Peter Scislowski, chief special constable at OC Transpo, revealed ongoing collaboration with OPS on initiatives to address hate-motivated incidents, underscoring the commitment to enhancing safety measures.