RCMP say the accused called for the death of Justin Trudeau and encouraged the eradication of Muslims.
For the first time in Quebec, an RCMP investigation has led to charges of advocating genocide being laid against a Boucherville resident. André Audet, 62 years old, has been charged in connection with threats published online. His statements were directed at Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Muslim community.
The charges stem from a brief investigation conducted by the RCMP Integrated National Security Enforcement Team (INSET) after receiving information about disturbing online posts. It is presumed that André Audet used a variety of pseudonyms on a number of social media networks. The investigators identified approximately one hundred hate posts, threats and/or posts inciting violence in the targeted accounts. For example, the accused called for the death of Justin Trudeau and encouraged the eradication of Muslims.
André Audet previously appeared in court in December 2019 in relation to the same investigation. A full analysis of the evidence led to new charges being laid.
The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) issued a statement via its Twitter account, and wrote, “The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) recognizes with approval the historic charges laid by the RCMP against André Audet, 62, of Boucherville, who allegedly encouraged the eradication of Muslims and put forward threats towards the Prime Minister.”
“Advocating for genocide is egregious and an extreme form of hate speech. Statements directing violence towards our community, or any community, cannot be tolerated,” said the organization’s director of legal affairs, Sameha Omer.
The RCMP made a public appeal and stated in the news release that the RCMP takes seriously any threats that can affect one’s sense of security. “Violent statements will not be tolerated”, the news release stated, adding that the perpetrators may face criminal charges involving significant sentences, and “such incidents must be reported if we are to combat this type of crime.”
Reference photo for illustrative purpose only via Instagram/@justinpjtrudeau
