A candidate running for Winnipeg city council is raising concerns after her campaign signs were vandalized. Nafiya Naso, who is running in the Waverley West ward, announced on Saturday that 16 of her signs along Waverley Street were hit with graffiti. She noted that the vandalism included scribbles over her face and “derogatory” words, adding that it also featured a graffiti tag that has been seen repeatedly in the neighbourhood over the last two years. Naso said the incident highlights issues about intimidation, racism, and the environment created for people taking part in the democratic process. “This is bigger than a campaign sign,” she said in a news release. “People are free to disagree with me, my campaign or my political views — that is democracy. But when 16 signs are specifically targeted with derogatory graffiti, right across from an elementary school, it is deeply concerning.” Naso said the vandalism will not deter her campaign and that the damaged signs will be replaced. She added that she has filed a police report and encourages anyone with information about the incident to contact the Winnipeg Police Service.
