The trial of a man charged with terrorism and the murders of four members of a Muslim family from London, Ontario, will be held in another city in the province.
An Ontario judge granted a transfer of the case to another city on Monday. Nathaniel Veltman will therefore have to face justice elsewhere than in London, but the place has not yet been specified. The reasons supporting this decision as well as the arguments presented before the judge are subject to a publication ban.
The defendant, who was 20 years old at the time of the alleged events, is accused of having deliberately mowed down the family with his van while the victims were taking a walk on the evening of June 6, 2021.
Salman Afzaal, 46, his wife Madiha Salman, 44, their 15-year-old daughter Yumna and his 74-year-old grandmother, Talat Afzaal, were all killed. The couple’s nine-year-old son was also seriously injured in the attack.
Four counts of first degree murder have been filed against Nathaniel Veltman in addition to one count of attempted murder. The Crown described the attack as an act of terrorism.
The case will go directly to trial, without a preliminary investigation. The trial is due to start in September 2023.
The death of the four members of the Afzaal family sent waves of shock, sadness and fear across the country, in addition to reigniting the debate for the implementation of measures aimed at combating Islamophobia.
Last month, citizens of London and members of the local Muslim community gathered to pay their respects to the family on the first anniversary of the tragedy.
The City of London has also dedicated a park to the memory of the Afzaal family.