News Brief
Trudeau Again Raises Nijjar Killing Issue, Accuses Previous Conservative Government Of Being 'Cosy' With India: Here's What He Said
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has again raised concerns about the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Testifying at a public inquiry on foreign interference in Canada's electoral process, Trudeau accused the previous Conservative government of being "cosy" with the current Indian government, as per a report by Hindustan Times.
During the hearing chaired by Quebec judge Marie-Josee Hogue, Trudeau claimed that China attempted to interfere in the last two Canadian elections, although he stated that the results were not affected and it was "improbable" that Beijing favoured any particular party.
Trudeau emphasised his government's commitment to defending Canadians' rights and freedoms, citing the case of Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing as an example of standing up against foreign interference.
He criticised the previous Conservative government for its close relationship with the current Indian government, contrasting it with his government's stance of defending minorities' rights in Canada, even if it causes friction with other countries.
Asked whether appropriate steps were not taken to expose foreign interference, Justin Trudeau replied, "I think that's certainly a question one needs to ask of the previous conservative government that was known for its very cosy relationship with the current Indian government. Whereas our government has always stood up to defend minorities in Canada and the rights of minorities to speak out, even if it irritates their home countries overseas," according to the video shared by The Global and Mail.
He also expressed frustration over leaked intelligence being sensationalised and taken out of context, calling it damaging to Canadians' confidence in the democratic process.
Trudeau had established the commission last year in response to opposition legislators' concerns about media reports regarding China's alleged involvement in Canadian elections.
The Canadian PM had last year accused Indian government agent of being involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Nijjar near a Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia.
India had rejected Trudeau's allegations as baseless and accused Canada of harbouring Khalistani extremists targeting India. India had designated Nijjar as a terrorist in 2020.
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