Dozens of people showed their support for the Asian community in Richmond on Wednesday morning.
A rally was held at the first court appearance for two people facing mischief charges from an alleged racist incident at a coffee shop in March.
A portion of the incident, which happened March 29 at Rocanini Coffee Roasters in Richmond, was captured on security video.
According to the café’s manager, the pair sat at a table and chairs in an area where they weren’t allowed.
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When she asked them to move, the situation escalated — with the man pouring coffee on the ground and the woman pouring coffee on the manager, she said.
The pair allegedly used anti-Asian slurs as they were asked to leave.
Richmond RCMP said Astrid Maria Secreve and Michel Jean-Jacque Berthiaume each face a charge of mischief.
The pair didn’t appear in person at court on Wednesday. Instead, counsel appeared on their behalf via video link and the matter has been adjourned.
The Stop Anti-Asian Hate Crimes advocacy group held a rally outside the courthouse to condemn anti-Asian hate.
Ivan Pak said it’s important to stand together with others to denounce racism.
“Racism has no place in Canada,” he said.
–With files from Simon Little and Emily Lazatin
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