Calgary cops have arrested two men for what they call a “hate-fuelled” attack on a same-sex couple..The incident occurred around 5:30 p.m., on Monday Aug. 3, as a same-sex couple was walking near the intersection of 9 St. and Memorial Dr. N.W., when two men and two women on electronic scooters approached them, police said..“An altercation occurred and it is believed the two men on scooters assaulted the couple because of their sexual orientation. A belt, rocks and a recycling bin were used as weapons and then the group fled,” said police in a press released..“Our officers arrived shortly after and searched the area but could not locate the group. The victims received medical care for non-life-threatening injuries..“The investigation has been reviewed by our Hate Crimes Coordinator and it has been determined there is sufficient evidence to support a hate bias motivation for this offence. The case will proceed as a hate crime file and be designated to a Specialized Crime Crown Prosecutor.”.Ahmed Nasser Borhot, 23, of Calgary, is charged with assault and assault with a weapon..Alaa Borhot, 24, of Calgary, is charged with assault with a weapon..The accused will next appear in court on Tuesday, Oct. 27.. POLL: Many Albertans say they will ignore Christmas COVID lockdown .“Hate-motivated crimes are recognizable crimes, like assault, theft, vandalism or any other crime, where the offender was motivated by bias, prejudice or hate that is based on one of nine personal characteristics of the victim,” said police..“The hate motivation is considered by the courts after a person is found guilty of the crime. If the judge decides during sentencing that hate was a motivation for the offence, it is an aggravating factor that can add to the convicted person’s sentence.”.Dave Naylor is the News Editor of the Western Standard.dnaylor@westernstandardonline.com.TWITTER: Twitter.com/nobby7694
