TORONTO — Police say an alleged assault in southern Ontario that sent a Muslim man to hospital on Sunday appears to have been motivated by hate.
Peel regional police say they were called to investigate a fight in Mississauga, Ont., at about 9 p.m., and discovered the man being beaten by two people.
They say it was initially believed to be a road rage incident, but investigators now believe it was motivated by "hate or bias."
Police say two men, aged 27 and 19, have been charged with assault.
"Please don't touch him, please don't hurt my husband. I have two little girls, please don't hurt my husband," Diana Attar remembers pleading.
As she leaned over her husband to hold him, Attar says, she was kicked too.
I just visited br. Muhammad and his family in the hospital. I can't begin to explain the trauma they have...
Posted by Imam Ibrahim Hindy on Tuesday, 17 July 2018
An online fundraising campaign set up for the man, which has raised nearly $45,000, says Muhammed Abu Marzouk has undergone several surgeries following the incident and remains in a Toronto intensive care unit.
It says he is a father of two and that his recovery could take several months.
Photo: Imam Ibrahim Hindy/Facebook
