"Politically Condoned Hate Crimes": India's Strong Statement On Canada

India, in one of its strongest statements about the Canada government amid the ongoing diplomatic row, spoke of "politically condoned hate crimes" today. "There is a feeling that these are part of freedom of expression, so these are condoned...  there is a concern and we have flagged it," said foreign ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi. The pointed statement was a reference to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who, during his visit to India for the G20 conference, had told reporters that Canada will always "defend freedom of expression... conscience and peaceful protest," Mr Trudeau had said. It will also "prevent violence and push back against hatred, he had said.