A Christian man originally from Eastern Europe living in the Saint Laurent area of Montreal claimed that he was attacked and threatened on Saturday because he "looks" Muslim.

Felician Farcane said he was punched in the face by a teenager who was part of a large group of people outside his home on Saturday evening, resulting in an injury to his jaw that required examinations at a medical clinic on Easter Sunday.

Farcane added: “I was retreating and they attacked me, and I was completely surrounded.”

He claims there were about 20 people. But Farcane says the most shocking thing is what was said to him before he was punched.

Farcane alleges that the father of the man who attacked him was saying: I will kill you because you are Muslim, but I am not Muslim and I have nothing against Muslims.

Farcane explained that it all started last Saturday morning due to a dispute over parking.

He claims his neighbor was upset because his car did not leave enough space for her car to access her driveway, and Farcane says there was a verbal altercation, but he claims there was no room left for discussion.

The alleged attack took place in the evening when Farcane said he was returning to his car to pick up his daughter.

He added: “Regarding parking, it’s not worth threatening anyone’s life.”

Fo Niemi, Executive Director of the Research Action Center on Race Relations (CRARR), said there is a rise in social tensions in Montreal.

Niemi confirmed that more initiatives like preventing hate crimes are needed to increase harmony and respect. As for Farcane’s allegations, those involved did not respond to press questions, but a family member said that there was a death in the family and that they need to mourn in peace.

Meanwhile, Farcane says he spoke to the police and wants to arrest the alleged attacker. "I just want this to be a lesson for him because he did this to me now, and he will do it to someone else," adding that no one should live in fear because of their appearance or religion.