The man who perpetrated a hate-motivated attack on a Sikh man in Quebec City in March was sentenced Thursday to 10 months of jail time.
Gabriel Royer Tremblay, 22, and two of his friends attacked Supninder Singh Khehra, 22, when he was visiting from Toronto over Easter weekend. Khehra said his attackers swore at him and pointed at his turban before punching him in the eye and kicking him. The turban fell off during the attack. During the trial, Khehra said he no longer feels safe on the street after the attack.
Royer Tremblay was sentenced to 10 months, of which he will serve eight, because of the time already spent behind bars. He was convicted of assault, obstructing police, and possession of methamphetamines. He was also in violation of his probation, and was found in possession of stolen goods.
The World Sikh Organization of Canada hailed the sentencing.
“The sentence sends a clear message that senseless acts of hatred will not be tolerated,” WSO President Mukhbir Singh said in a statement. “We’re also glad that Judge Rousseau recognized that the attack was motivated by racism, despite the Quebec police having denied it was so. Sikhs in Quebec have faced serious challenges in the past and efforts need to be made so that Sikhs and the turban are better understood. ”
The statement also called Royer Tremblay “a deeply troubled young man with serious personal issues,” and said the organization hopes that he can get the help he needs.
After the attack happened, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned it, saying such hateful acts had no place in Canada.
Gabriel Royer Tremblay, 22, and two of his friends attacked Supninder Singh Khehra, 22, when he was visiting from Toronto over Easter weekend. Khehra said his attackers swore at him and pointed at his turban before punching him in the eye and kicking him. The turban fell off during the attack. During the trial, Khehra said he no longer feels safe on the street after the attack.
Royer Tremblay was sentenced to 10 months, of which he will serve eight, because of the time already spent behind bars. He was convicted of assault, obstructing police, and possession of methamphetamines. He was also in violation of his probation, and was found in possession of stolen goods.
The World Sikh Organization of Canada hailed the sentencing.
“The sentence sends a clear message that senseless acts of hatred will not be tolerated,” WSO President Mukhbir Singh said in a statement. “We’re also glad that Judge Rousseau recognized that the attack was motivated by racism, despite the Quebec police having denied it was so. Sikhs in Quebec have faced serious challenges in the past and efforts need to be made so that Sikhs and the turban are better understood. ”
The statement also called Royer Tremblay “a deeply troubled young man with serious personal issues,” and said the organization hopes that he can get the help he needs.
After the attack happened, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned it, saying such hateful acts had no place in Canada.
