Hate crime charges are still possible in connection with a spree of Islamic-themed graffiti sprayed across Windsor, according to police.
A 49-year-old man was arrested in December and charged with 16 counts of mischief for allegedly painting messages, including the words “Sharia now” and “Islam executes drug dealers” at bus shelters and on the windows of CBC and other media organizations across the city.
“A hate crime actually requires the consent of the attorney general for any proceedings,” explained Sgt. Steve Betteridge. “That file has been sent to the crown for review and the crown is responsible for screening files and it’s within their discretion to recommend charges only in circumstances where they deem it appropriate.”