Canadians have held vigils in solidarity with the victims of Sunday night’s terror attack at a mosque in Quebec City.
The Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who had called it a “terrorist attack on Muslims” joined the marchers at the scene of the atrocity.
A suspected far-right sympathiser has been charged with six counts of murder and five of attempted murder. Several people were injured.
Those who were shot dead, all men, were aged between 39 and 60 and included two Guinean nationals.
The name of the 6 victims Allah y rahamhom #QuebecMosqueAttack pic.twitter.com/tL1wF5lZqU— يسرئ (@curlyrocma) January 30, 2017
“It is very difficult for me and all the other persons, Muslim or not Muslim. Because if you can kill a person you are not human. You don’t have humanity in your heart,” said one young woman at the vigil.
This is the largest gathering/rally/vigil I can ever remember seeing at #AbLeg in #yeg. #QuebecShooting ctvedmonton #QuebecMosqueAttack pic.twitter.com/o3QiizgQug— Sean Amato (JSJamato) January 31, 2017
27-year-old Alexandre Bissonnette, a French-Canadian student, appeared in court on Monday.
He is said to have acted alone. Police have not discussed his possible motives.
A refugee support group and at least one fellow student have been quoted in several Canadian media outlets as saying the suspect was known for far-right views.
On Facebook and in conversation he had reportedly backed French Front National leader Marine Le Pen and Donald Trump.
A man reportedly of Moroccan descent who had also been arrested is now considered a witness. His nationality status is not clear.