While Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects freedom of speech and freedom of assembly, Hossain’s website and blog promoted hatred and, more disturbingly, genocide, against an identifiable community. Sections 318 and 319 of the Criminal Code make it a criminal offence to advocate genocide, publicly incite hatred, and wilfully promote hatred against an identifiable group. “Freedom of expression is not a licence to promote hate against any community”, said Dr. Ayman Al-Yassini, CRRF Executive Director. “The message of Hossain is similar to the hate message of Ernst Zundel and other extremists. Over the past few decades, the internet has become a public platform from which hatemongers spew their messages of hate which threaten civil society. It is our hope that Hossain and other extremists be held fully accountable for their destructive message of hate,” added Al-Yassini.

The Canadian Race Relations Foundation believes the charges against Hossain send a clear message to all hatemongers that Canada will not tolerate such venom, and is steadfastly committed to the protection of all members and groups in society regardless of their background.