Latest news with #Afzaal
Global News
3 days ago
- Global News
Man appeals sentence in London, Ont. Muslim family killing
The man convicted of murdering a Muslim family in London, Ont., is appealing his life sentence for an act deemed by a judge to be terrorism. Nathaniel Veltman is appealing his four convictions for first-degree murder and his conviction for attempted murder, for which he was sentenced in February 2024, according to court documents. His lawyer had already indicated he planned to file an appeal a couple of months after he was sentenced last year. Veltman was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 25 years for hitting the Afzaal family with his truck in 2021 while they were out for a walk in London, Ont. Forty-six-year-old Salman Afzaal; his 44-year-old wife, Madiha Salman; their 15-year-old daughter, Yumna; and her 74-year-old grandmother, Talat Afzaal were killed in the attack. Story continues below advertisement The couple's nine-year-old child was hurt but survived. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Justice Renee Pomerance, who presided over the trial held in Windsor, Ont., ruled the murders committed by a self-described white nationalist were an act of terrorism. The case was the first time Canada's terrorism laws were put before a jury in a first-degree murder trial. Prosecutors had argued Veltman was a white supremacist with a plan to commit violence, while the defence argued his actions shouldn't be considered terrorism because he kept his beliefs to himself. But Pomerance rejected that argument, finding that Veltman only kept his beliefs private to avoid detection before he could carry out his plan. At a sentencing hearing in January, Veltman apologized for the pain he had caused but that apology was rejected by the victims' family members outside of court. The attack on June 6, 2021 shocked the country, with a memorial held in the city and attended by leaders from across Canada. On Friday, the four-year anniversary of the attack, Prime Minister Mark Carney remembered the victims. 'We mourn the loss today of… the Afzaal family, who four years ago this day in London were victims of a heinous act of terrorism,' Carney said. Story continues below advertisement 'Gatherings like today remind us all of those who are absent. Friends and family who once prayed beside us but who no longer can. And it's in these moments that we lean on our faith. A faith that carries us through the tough times. A faith that brings joy shining through the darkest clouds' — with files from The Canadian Press
Cision Canada
4 days ago
- Politics
- Cision Canada
Statement by Prime Minister Carney on Eid al-Adha Français
OTTAWA, ON, June 6, 2025 /CNW/ - "Today, Muslims in Canada and around the world mark Eid al-Adha. This day holds profound significance for Muslim communities, marking the end of the Hajj pilgrimage. "Eid is a celebration of service and a time of faith, family, and charity. Eid reminds us that we are bound by a common humanity and a sacred obligation to take care of ourselves and of each other. "This year, that message carries a heavy weight as Eid falls on the fourth anniversary of the terrorist attack against the Afzaal family in London, Ontario. As we honour Salman, Madiha, Yumna, and Talat, we affirm our work to protect against hate and defend Canadians' ability to freely practise their faith. "I hope Canadians celebrating Eid gather with their loved ones on this blessed day. From my family to yours, Eid Mubarak." This document is also available at
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Statement by Prime Minister Carney on Eid al-Adha
OTTAWA, ON, June 6, 2025 /CNW/ - "Today, Muslims in Canada and around the world mark Eid al-Adha. This day holds profound significance for Muslim communities, marking the end of the Hajj pilgrimage. "Eid is a celebration of service and a time of faith, family, and charity. Eid reminds us that we are bound by a common humanity and a sacred obligation to take care of ourselves and of each other. "This year, that message carries a heavy weight as Eid falls on the fourth anniversary of the terrorist attack against the Afzaal family in London, Ontario. As we honour Salman, Madiha, Yumna, and Talat, we affirm our work to protect against hate and defend Canadians' ability to freely practise their faith. "I hope Canadians celebrating Eid gather with their loved ones on this blessed day. From my family to yours, Eid Mubarak." This document is also available at SOURCE Prime Minister's Office View original content: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Cision Canada
4 days ago
- Politics
- Cision Canada
Statement by Special Representative Amira Elghawaby on the Fourth Anniversary of the London Family Attack - June 6, 2025 Français
OTTAWA, ON, June 6, 2025 /CNW/ - Today marks four years since the terrorist attack that claimed the lives of four members of the Afzaal family in London, Ontario – an act of Islamophobic hatred that shook Canadians from coast to coast to coast. It was not only an attack on one family, or community, but on our shared values as Canadians. It is important to remember Salman, Madiha, Yumnah, and Talat, and to honour "Our London Family" by continuing the vital work of combatting Islamophobia and all forms of hate for a more inclusive Canada. We continue to hear about concerning incidents of Islamophobia, and anti-Palestinian and anti-Arab hate. One of the most recent attacks was on a Muslim woman at the Ajax Public Library where the assailant forcibly removed her hijab and attempted to set it on fire. As Canada's Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia, I remain steadfast in my commitment to supporting the federal government's efforts towards promoting inclusion, advancing safety and well-being, and protecting freedom of religion and civil liberties for all. I have been hearing from families, community members and leaders, from a range of backgrounds and experiences who are dedicated to nurturing safer communities. They have been calling for more action to ensure that Canada is a place where everyone can be proud of who they are and free to worship as they wish. Their experiences and insights are key towards building community-informed solutions, including creating resources that can be utilized in workplaces, schools, and within community spaces. This year, we launched a landmark resource to support these efforts: the Canadian Guide on Understanding and Combatting Islamophobia: For a more inclusive Canada, the first government-produced document of its kind. In memory of "Our London Family", and all those who were deliberately killed in Islamophobic attacks in our country, let us recommit to advancing awareness, understanding, and hope.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Statement by Special Representative Amira Elghawaby on the Fourth Anniversary of the London Family Attack - June 6, 2025
OTTAWA, ON, June 6, 2025 /CNW/ - Today marks four years since the terrorist attack that claimed the lives of four members of the Afzaal family in London, Ontario – an act of Islamophobic hatred that shook Canadians from coast to coast to coast. It was not only an attack on one family, or community, but on our shared values as Canadians. It is important to remember Salman, Madiha, Yumna, and Talat, and to honour "Our London Family" by continuing the vital work of combatting Islamophobia and all forms of hate for a more inclusive Canada. We continue to hear about concerning incidents of Islamophobia, and anti-Palestinian and anti-Arab hate. One of the most recent attacks was on a Muslim woman at the Ajax Public Library where the assailant forcibly removed her hijab and attempted to set it on fire. As Canada's Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia, I remain steadfast in my commitment to supporting the federal government's efforts towards promoting inclusion, advancing safety and well-being, and protecting freedom of religion and civil liberties for all. I have been hearing from families, community members and leaders, from a range of backgrounds and experiences who are dedicated to nurturing safer communities. They have been calling for more action to ensure that Canada is a place where everyone can be proud of who they are and free to worship as they wish. Their experiences and insights are key towards building community-informed solutions, including creating resources that can be utilized in workplaces, schools, and within community spaces. This year, we launched a landmark resource to support these efforts: the Canadian Guide on Understanding and Combatting Islamophobia: For a more inclusive Canada, the first government-produced document of its kind. In memory of "Our London Family", and all those who were deliberately killed in Islamophobic attacks in our country, let us recommit to advancing awareness, understanding, and hope. Find out more about the Special Representative's office mandate and activities by subscribing to the newsletter. SOURCE Office of the Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia View original content:
