A Calgary man has been arrested after he caused a disturbance at an all-candidates’ debate while wearing a mask made of a confederate flag and reportedly saying he was “against the niqab.”
The man arrived at the Tuscany Club, where candidates in Calgary Rocky Ridge were to debate Thursday night, claiming the Confederate flag was his way of protesting the niqab issue.
When custodial staff approached the man, he reportedly told them he was there to make a political statement and threatened the custodian. He was told to leave and police were called. The man was arrested while sitting in a car outside, a short time later.
Liberal candidate Nirmala Naidoo was given a police escort to her car following the event.
“What we saw last night was such a disappointment,” said Naidoo in a statement.
Naidoo has said her family fled racism and apartheid in South Africa, coming to Canada when she was a young child.
Wayne Joseph Sillo, 66, was charged with wearing a disguise with intent and uttering threats.
Agencies/Canadajournal