Assult of Mr. Phil Khan

While the Canadian Anti-racism Education and Research Society is pleased that assault charges, among other charges, have been recommended against two off-duty police officers, one from New Westminster and the other from North Vancouver, B.C., the Society is disappointed that hate crime charges have not also been considered.

The alleged assault of Mr. Phil Khan, who was delivering newspapers in the early morning of January 21, 2009, in downtown Vancouver also involved racial slurs.

Mr. Khan is quoted as saying that: “I couldn't see them. All I could hear is, ‘We don't like brown people.'” Vancouver police advise charging officers in assault.

At the very least, the allegations of racism against the police officers involved needs to be investigated and a public explanation must be made for why or why not charges will be laid.

---------30------------