I’m a student at Carleton University who participated in the planning stages of the Peaceful Vigil on November 16 2001. I am also member of the Muslim community in Ottawa and tried to facilitate the involvement of the Muslim students Association (MSA), the older respected members of the community, and people of all backgrounds, along with various organizations and individuals from Carleton University.

I believe that this weekend was and still is a very important part of Islamic activism because it concentrated on the consequences of globalization and the war on Afghanistan. Moreover, I believe a commendable effort was taken by the greater Ottawa community to include the Muslim populace.

However, when we reached the human rights monument we found ourselves completely caged in by police officers dressed in intimidating clothes, wearing facemasks, what looked like bulletproof vests, and accompanied by dogs. The police presence produced a heightened atmosphere and an immense amount of tension.

We did not feel secure. We did not feel safe.

Therefore, we (the Muslim minority, people with children and many seniors) left quickly after the police arrival.  Ironically enough prior to the Vigil we contacted two officers to help insure that WE the marchers were protected from any external forces during the course of the event. November 16 made things exceptionally clear: our safety was not the central objective.

On the other hand many of the protestors welcomed our prayers, our fast, and our viewpoints in this Vigil, founded on a peaceful premise. The intent was to make a forum where people of all ages and backgrounds could attend a candle lit event. However the police who have the responsibility to protect and serve, disunited the crowd with their unapproachable and threatening presence. My greatest disappointment is that there were moments of collectivity and solidarity between a unique spectrum of individuals, that the police unknowingly or not- assimilated.

I believe that our peaceful vigil was used as a police statement for the weekend.

I believe that our peaceful vigil was used as a means of discouraging Canadians citizens to exercise their democratic rights.

I believe we need to remember that the crowd is composed of individuals who are passionate about bringing about equality for all.

I believe that those who voice their dissent are our greatest assets.

I believe that we -the police officers and the protestors- need to sincerely reevaluate our stereotypes of one another if we are to move forward. We can only accomplish this with dialogue and respect. Therefore I have included the following recommendations.

 If there is a need for police presence protestors should be contacted well in advance. Case in point, as no one was expecting more then two officers on N16 – their arrival frustrated many of the organizers and the protestors.

The police need to remember that they are typically going to a group of unarmed citizens, and that often what they wear and how they act sends out a clear message of opposition. A message that indubitably leads to hostility and resentment, not  “crowd control”.

In the future I suggest that police officers contact the organizers of future actions, attend meetings, try to understand what the issues are and be involved throughout the whole process leading up to the event.

With dialogue we can reduce the lack of knowledge and righteous hypocrisy that leads to further divisions and conflict.

Thank you for the intent behind this citizen’s panel; it is only in the womb of sincere intent that a great undertaking receives deliverance.

Peace be with and upon you all.

Muna Deria.