Vicious Hate Crime in Hamilton

Ronn Mattai, owner of the Junction Cafe and a resident of Hamilton was the victim of a vicious slashing at a nightclub on Saturday, February 21st. Police suspect the incident was hate-motivated based on witness accounts and the victim and alleged perpetrator's statements. Ronn Mattai is a well known local gay man.

Michael Cordeiro, 19, was arrested following the incident and made a brief appearance at the John Sopinka courthouse. A bail hearing is scheduled for Friday and the community plans a reponse at that time.

Police Chief Brian Mullan and Mayor Larry Di Ianni were quick to denounce the crime. The police held a meeting to address local concerns and respond to the outrage.

Use the links below for all the latest news on this crime and the response from the community:

• Community Roundtable - 03/22/04
• Hate Crime Network Of Hamilton
• Meeting with Hamilton Police Services
• Meeting with Mayor Di Ianni
• Trust Fund information
   
• Hate Crime Brochure
• Hate Crimes And You (SISO)
   
• The Spec: MAN'S FACE SLASHED IN KING EAST BAR
• The Spec: FACE-SLASHING A HATE CRIME
• The Spec: CHIEF MEETS TODAY TO DISCUSS HATE CRIME
• The Spec: HATE CRIME GROUP WANTS POLICE PROTOCOL
• The Spec: Feeling safe on the streets:
• The Spec: Slash victim's supporters fill courtroom
• The Spec: Be proud of diversity: Mayor
   
• The Spec Editorial: Attack on gay man is attack on all
• The Spec Editorial: Nothing justifies Mattai attack
• The Spec Editorial: No room for hate crimes in our city
   
• The Star: Gay-bashing victim needed over 200 stitches
• The Star: Savage attack alarms Hamilton's gays