Thursday marked the first day in the sentencing of the man found guilty in the 2021 attack on a London, Ont. family that sparked national calls to combat Islamophobia.
This was the first of three days dedicated to the sentencing of Nathaniel Veltman who was found guilty of first-degree and attempted murder in the killing of four members of the Afzaal family.
The question of whether the murders are considered to be an act of terrorism have yet to be decided.
Family members poured their hearts out about the loss of the four members brutally murdered as day one brought forward difficult memories.
Veltman was convicted on Nov. 16 of four counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder for intentionally running down a Muslim family with his truck in London.
Five members of the Afzaal family, 44-year-old Madiha, her 47-year-old husband Salman, their 15-year-old daughter Yumman and her 73-year-old grandmother Talat died on June 6, 2021 while out for a walk.
The couple’s 9-year-old son was also struck, but survived.
Police say the murders were motivated by Veltman’s hate for Muslims.
Over 70 members of their family and the community are providing victim impact statements over the next two days.
One of the first came from Ashar Ghani, Madiha Afzaal’s brother who said, “She was brilliant, creative, imaginative, she loved reading,” that he was “left enraged, so hurt, so broken,” and “afraid for the safety of my family and community.”
Most echoed similar sentiments, calling the family loving and peaceful and say they will never get over this tragedy.
The brother of Salman, Mustafa Afzaal said the “void left behind is a constant throbbing ache.”
Some also expressed their fear.
Najia Ghani, Mahida’s sister called it, “An act of hate. An act of Islamophobia. I could not believe it was true..it was hard to focus at work. I had to take leave…I had to deal with overwhelming trauma.”
Some are hoping this trial and sentencing will end acts of Islamophobia across all of Canada.
“The Canadian justice system has restored our faith in justice.” said Sameera Ghani, another sister of Madiha.
Statements will continue to be heard Friday ahead of a court date set for Jan. 23 where lawyers will present their arguments on whether or not this crime is considered terrorism.
