A 64-year-old Muslim woman, Arfon Barow, was the victim of an alleged assault at Blair station in Ottawa last August, and she questions why the incident was not publicized despite being investigated by the hate and bias crime unit of the Ottawa Police Service (OPS). Barow, who wears a hijab, sustained injuries during the Aug. 25 attack, which she says are still healing almost two months later. She expressed her desire for people to be aware of her suffering and the severity of the incident, emphasizing the importance of warning the public about such occurrences.
The assault occurred after a woman had been harassing Barow on an OC Transpo bus and followed her to Blair station, where she proceeded to physically assault her. Barow managed to escape but was left severely injured, requiring medical attention. Despite the traumatic experience, neither the police nor OC Transpo issued a public statement regarding the incident at the time. Barow’s interpreter, Abdirizak Mohamud, highlighted the significance of transparency in such cases, particularly within communities where trust in local authorities is already fragile.
Following the incident, Ottawa police confirmed responding to a complaint of assault at Blair station, which led to the arrest of a 49-year-old woman on charges of assault causing bodily harm. Barow recounted the harrowing experience of being attacked in public, with no one intervening to help her. She was left visibly injured, with lasting physical and emotional effects that have impeded her daily activities, including difficulty breathing and persistent arm pain.
Despite the gravity of the assault, the incident did not receive public attention, prompting questions about the lack of transparency in reporting hate-motivated crimes. While Ottawa police declined to comment specifically on the case, they explained that not all hate-related investigations are publicized, citing privacy concerns and the need to safeguard ongoing inquiries. This selective approach to publicizing hate crimes has raised concerns within marginalized communities, where inconsistency in reporting can signal a lack of prioritization for their safety.
Community leaders, including Aisha Sherazi, emphasized the importance of sharing information about hate crimes to build trust and promote public safety. Sherazi highlighted the delicate balance police face in deciding when to disclose such incidents, acknowledging the role of transparency in fostering a sense of security within diverse communities. As efforts are made to address hate-motivated incidents, OC Transpo announced collaborations with OPS on new initiatives to combat such crimes, signaling a commitment to enhancing safety measures within the transit system.