Canada speaker apologizes after Ukrainian Nazi veteran honored in Parliament
Canada speaker apologizes after Ukrainian Nazi veteran honored in Parliament
Canadian lawmakers faced backlash after honoring a 98-year-old war veteran who was later revealed to be a member of a Nazi unit responsible for crimes against humanity during the Holocaust. The recognition and standing ovation received by the veteran sparked outrage from human rights groups. Speaker Anthony Rota apologized for inviting the veteran and took full responsibility for his actions, expressing apologies to Jewish communities in Canada and around the world.
The Controversial Recognition
The recognition of the Ukrainian Nazi veteran in the Canadian Parliament has stirred controversy and condemnation from various human rights groups. The Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center expressed deep disturbance over the standing ovation given to a veteran associated with a Nazi military unit responsible for the mass murder of innocent civilians. The Center and other advocacy groups called the invitation and ovation “shocking” and “beyond outrageous.”
Speaker Takes Responsibility
Speaker Anthony Rota, who invited the veteran to Parliament, took full responsibility for the controversial recognition. He apologized for his actions and extended his apologies to Jewish communities in Canada and worldwide. Rota clarified that neither Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy nor Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau were aware of the invitation. The speaker’s apology aimed to address the concerns raised by the Jewish community and restore trust in the Canadian Parliament.
Source: NBC News
