Azzedine Soufiane died as a result of the attack, which targeted the Quebec mosque in January 2017. At the age of 57, this father of three children tried to disarm the terrorist. He is now one of 123 Canadians decorated by the Governor General of Quebec, Julie Payette. Posthumously receiving the “Star of Courage” for his act of bravery, he is thus distinguished for his “excellence, courage or exceptional sense of duty,” said a statement issued by the governor on Wednesday.
“The Canadian Decorations for Bravery were created in 1972 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as a symbolic expression of the nation’s gratitude to those who, in defiance of self-preservation, risked their lives to save or protect their fellow men and women,” the same source said.
Along with Azzeddine Soufiane, four other Canadians of the Muslim faith, among the victims of the attack, are also decorated for their actions in preventing a heavier human toll. Said Akjour and Mohamed Khabar, for their part, received the medal of bravery for trying to confront the gunman,” Radio Canada reports. “Hakim Chambaz also received one for rescuing a little girl during the shooting,” the media outlet added. “It’s even more pleasing to see that my friends were also decorated for their courage,” said Aymen Derbali, who has become quadriplegic since the attack.
Six people were killed and eight wounded in the shooting on 29 January 2017. It was claimed by a young right-wing extremist terrorist. Due to the pandemic of the new coronavirus, the awards will be presented at a ceremony, the date of which has not yet been announced.
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