Port Coquitlam imam charged with sex assault

An imam from the Masjid Al-Hidayah and Islamic Cultural Centre has been charged with sexual assault in connection with an alleged incident at the mosque in June 2013. (CTV)

A Port Coquitlam imam has been charged in connection with an alleged sex assault at his mosque earlier this year.

Mounties are not releasing the age or gender of the alleged victim due to a publication ban, but confirm they received a report of an assault at the Masjid Al-Hidayah and Islamic Cultural Centre back in June.

On Wednesday, Crown counsel approved one count of sex assault against the mosque’s imam, Saadeldin Bahr, who refers to himself and is known in the community as Dr. Saad.

RCMP Insp. Paulette Friell said the Sex Crimes Unit is continuing to investigate the allegation and anyone with additional information is urged to come forward.

“There is, of course, the possibility of additional victims,” Friell said. “Without jeopardizing the investigation and the publication ban I can’t go into much more detail on that.”

No one at the mosque, which was opened in 2003 to serve the communities of Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody, wanted to discuss the criminal charge laid against Bahr.

Friell said Mounties are working with the Muslim community and offering support to members of the Masjid Al-Hidayah.

Bahr has been ordered to stay away from the alleged victim’s home, workplace and school. He is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 23.

Tips and information can be sent to the Coquitlam RCMP’s Sex Crime Unit at 604-552-4335 using file number 2013-16651.

With a report from CTV British Columbia’s Lisa Rossington