By Carolyn Turgeon
The man accused of terror attacks in Norway mentioned Ryerson University in a 1,583-page manifesto ranting against Muslims, immigration and multiculturalism.
The document, attributed to suspect Anders Breivik by his lawyer, was sent out less than 90 minutes before the attacks. Breivik has been charged under Norway’s terror law for the bombing of an Oslo government building and the shooting at a youth camp on Utoya island that killed at least 76 people in all. He has confessed to committing both attacks.
The manifesto, titled “2083: A European Declaration of Independence,” specifically mentions Ryerson University:
“The largest student group on campus, the Muslim Students’ Association, has monopolised use of the multifaith room. Eric Da Silva, president of the Catholic Student Association, said the group looked into using the room for mass but was told by RSU front desk staff that the room was ‘permanently booked’ by Muslim students.”
Eric Da Silva, a former Ryerson student commented on a dispute over the multifaith room in an article when he was the president of the Catholic Students’ Association five years ago.
How a Norwegian gunman became concerned with Ryerson is unclear, but Breivik has been known to frequent internet message boards with extreme right-wing tendencies. An associate professor from the University of Western Ontario is also quoted in the manifesto.
More to come.
Photo: Twitter
Correction: a previous version of this article stated Eric Da Silva was president of the Christian Students’ Association and has been corrected to Catholic Students’ Association.
Nora Loreto
I see an error.
Sally
I think it’s fair to say Anders Behring Breivik is the killer and not just an accused killer. As you note, he has confessed and most reputable sources are reporting as such because of the eye witness accounts.