Police in Peel Region are investigating a vicious attack in Mississauga as a possible hate crime.
A father-of-two was badly beaten last Sunday night, as he and his family were leaving a picnic at a park not far from Square One mall.
A friend of Mohammed Abu Marzouk tells NEWSTALK 1010 the 39-year year old was backing out of his parking spot when he quickly came to a stop.
Ibrahim Hindy says Marzouk hadn't noticed the two men who were walking behind his vehicle.
Allegations are that's when there was a confrontation.
Marzouk's claim is that the two men starting hurling racial slurs at the family when they noticed that Marzouk's wife was wearing a hijab. "That's what provoked them ... they started to scream at them," Hindy says.
It was at that point that Marzouk got out of the vehicle and into an altercation with the two men.
Marzouk was punched in the face and a melee ensued.
Hindy says once Marzouk was on the ground, his wife tried to shield him from his attackers, pleading with them to stop.
A friend tried unsuccessfully to intervene.
Hindy says the men continued to kick and beat Marzouk, who eventually lost consciousness while his 4- and 6-year old daughters watched.
Doctors say Marzouk is in critical condition and are trying to reduce the swelling of his brain so that they can assess the damage.
He's hooked up to a breathing tube, and his face is badly swollen and bruised.
Two brothers from Brampton are charged with one count of aggravated assault and two counts of assault.
19-year old Janis Corhamzic and 27-year old Adam Corhamzic appeared in court earlier this week.
Authorities say its the language witnesses describe being used by the attackers that forms the basis of the investigation into the incident possibly being motivated by hate.
Hindy says the Marzouk's are in complete shock, but he's worried that stories like theirs are becoming common in his community.
Data released recently by Peel Regional Police shows hate crimes reported against Muslims almost doubled over the last year.
An online fundraising campaign has been started to collect money to help Marzouk's family.