e-4815 (Public safety)

Petition to the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs

• Canadians of Eritrean descent are law abiding and peaceful citizens who value faith and the importance of family;
• Since the 1980s they have peacefully celebrated their heritage by attending large cultural and sports events held in public parks with broad support from municipalities and elected officials across the country;
• The Eritrean diaspora has recently become the new front line in violent attacks by political groups;
• Late last summer this came to a boil, when rioters calling themselves the Brigade N’hamedu or Brigade of Death, made international headlines by attacking and injuring attendees at events held in Toronto, Edmonton and Calgary;
• Over 30 people were transported to the hospital, some in serious condition suffering from stab wounds, head trauma and spinal fractures;
• The right to political expression is enshrined in the charter, but when the tone or position is expressed in violence, Canadians demand their government act to ensure law and order is enforced;
• Today, many Canadians of Eritrean origin feel unsafe in places where they work, celebrate and worship; and
• Police authorities have charged a total of 24 members of the Brigade with over 47 Criminal Code violations and in Edmonton the riot act was read-the first time since 1999.