Reports of hate speech and online harassment

We are currently investigating multiple reports of online harassment on a social media platform.

In the past 48 hours, we have received multiple reports from citizens about what is believed to be hate speech and harassment targeting Russian-Calgarians on a social media platform. Our patrol officers and Hate Crimes and Extremism Team are currently investigating these incidents and monitoring them closely.  

“Hate-motivated crimes have no place in our community, and we will not tolerate criminal behaviour associated with hate speech and harassment,” said Sergeant Matt Messenger of the Hate Crimes and Extremism Team. “We encourage anyone who believes they have been the victim of a hate crime, or who may have witnessed one, to please come forward and report it to police.”

Hate-motivated crimes are recognizable when the offender is motivated by bias, prejudice or hate, that is based on one of nine personal characteristics of the victim; this includes race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, language, mental or physical disability, sex, age, or any other similar factor.

We recognize that many victims may need additional support when coming forward to report and the Victim Assistance Support Team (VAST) is a free service offered to all victims of crime. VAST can be reached at 403-428-8398, or toll-free at 1-888-327-7828.

Anyone with information about these online harassment incidents is asked to call the police non-emergency number at 403-266-1234. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers through any of the following methods:

TALK: 1-800-222-8477

TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org

APP: P3 Tips