An Indian couple was subjected to racial abuse and death threats at Lansdowne Place Mall in Peterborough, leading to charges against an 18-year-old in what police have described as a hate-related case.
The incident occurred on July 29 and was caught in multiple clips later shared widely on social media. The footage shows three youngsters in a pickup truck blocking the couple’s car and unleashing a stream of profanities, racial slurs and obscene taunts.
According to the couple, the confrontation began when the Indian man confronted the group over damage to his vehicle. The teenagers allegedly responded with insults such as “big nose” and “you f***ing immigrant.”
One of them threatened to kill him, saying, “Do you want me to get out of the car and f***ing kill you?”
Another clip shows a man mocking the victim: “Hey big nose, you know it’s not illegal to go in front of your vehicle and h*** you. Did I touch you? Did I touch you, yes or no? Answer my question, you f***ing Indian.”
TEEN FACES CHARGE OVER DEATH THREATS
According to Peterborough Police statement, the investigation began on August 8 after the videos began circulating online. Following consultations with the Crown Attorney’s office, an 18-year-old from the City of Kawartha Lakes was charged with uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm. He was released on an undertaking and is due in court on September 16.
While there is no specific hate crime charge under Canadian law that applies to this case, police confirmed “there is a hate crime element” that will be addressed in court.
“Anybody who has seen the video in this case will understand that that type of behaviour is not acceptable in our community, nor any community,” Chief Stuart Betts said.
Chief Betts praised those who came forward with information: “Clearly this is not the standard of acceptable behaviour in our city. We encourage residents to continue to report hate bias incidents or crimes. Reporting these incidents to police is crucial to ensuring we have the information needed to investigate and pursue charges when appropriate.”
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