Ottawa (June 30, 2016): The World Sikh Organization of Canada calls the sentencing of Gabriel Royer Tremblay a strong message that hateful and racist attacks will not be tolerated.

Royer Tremblay was sentenced to ten months in prison for his attack on Supninder Singh Khera in Quebec City over the Easter weekend earlier this year. Khera, who was visiting from Toronto, was the victim of an unprovoked attack after being taunted for wearing his turban.

Gabriel Royer Tremblay, 22, has been sentenced to ten months in prison after pleading guilty to assault and a series of other offences committed within a period of one year. The charges include obstructing police, possession of methamphetamine probation violations and possession of stolen goods. WSO President Mukhbir Singh said, "today's sentence sends a clear message that senseless acts of hatred will not be tolerated. Mr. Royer Tremblay is clearly a deeply troubled young man with serious personal issues, and we hope this will be an opportunity for him to seek the help he needs to get better. We're also glad that Judge Rousseau recognized that the attack was motivated by racism, despite the Quebec Police having denied it was so. Sikhs in Quebec have faced serious challenges in the past and efforts need to be made so that Sikhs and the turban are better understood. "

The World Sikh Organization of Canada (WSO) is a non-profit organization with a mandate to promote and protect the interests of Canadian Sikhs as well as to promote and advocate for the protection of human rights for all individuals, irrespective of race, religion, gender, ethnicity, and social and economic status.