Authorities in Surrey have arrested a man they say is linked to the investigation of a hateful message posted online in the wake of a prominent public cultural festival in the city.
Surrey RCMP says the probe began April 21 following a complaint about an online message referencing the Surrey Vaisakhi parade.
Photo via Surrey Vaisakhi Parade/surreyvaisakhiparade.com
According to a screenshot shared on Twitter by British Columbia’s Minister of Citizens' Services and MLA for Surrey-Panorama Jinny Sims, the comment was made on a Global BC Facebook post reporting on the colourful and popular annual cultural festival in Surrey.
"Imagine what one pressure cooker bomb could have done...missed opportunities suck," read the comment.
Please investigate @SurreyRCMP Very concerning pic.twitter.com/ZByiJRf4Er
— Jinny Sims (@jinnysims) April 23, 2019
A 46-year-old Surrey man was taken into custody Wednesday, accused of public incitement of hatred.
Cpl. Elenore Sturko says the man remains in custody and anyone with information about the allegations should contact the Surrey detachment.
Police also say the incident offers an opportunity to encourage everyone to become familiar with Canada's laws prohibiting hate propaganda in the Criminal Code.
The laws call for a maximum two years imprisonment for anyone convicted of making public statements that incite or promote hatred against any identifiable group.
With files from The Canadian Press
