Toronto Police Service
www.tps.ca
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News Release
Public Incitement of Hatred Investigation, Armoury Street and University Avenue area, Two Men Arrested
Broadcast time: 12:41 PM
Date: Thursday, Oct 03, 2024
Unit: Intelligence Services
Case #: 2024-2128764
The Toronto Police Service is making the public aware of two arrests made in relation to a demonstration near Armoury Street and University Avenue on Saturday, September 28, 2024 that involved Hezbollah flags.
It is alleged that:
that the accused attended the demonstration and were observed carrying Hezbollah flags. Hezbollah is a listed terrorist entity by the Government of Canada
officers approached the accused and cautioned them about how the flags represented Hezbollah and the threats such flags cause to the public peace
officers disengaged with the accused due to the large crowd size and public safety concerns
the accused continued to publicly wave the Hezbollah flags
On Wednesday, October 2, 2024, Ahmad Sheikhani, 34, of Oakville and Hamad Khalid Menshed, 34, of Mississauga, were arrested and each charged with:
Public Incitement of Hatred
They are both scheduled to appear in court at the Ontario Court of Justice, 10 Armoury Street, on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at 2 p.m., in room 202.
“Our expanded Hate Crime Unit continues to investigate every reported instance of hate, including the presence of flags that promote terrorist organisations, as identified by Public Safety Canada,” said Chief Myron Demkiw.
“Charges can be laid at any time–whether it’s hours, days, or even weeks after an incident, including those that take place at demonstrations.”
In the coming days there will be an increased presence of both plainclothes and uniformed officers, Public Order Sections, Mounted Units, and Police Liaison teams to manage demonstrations across the city. Four command posts will be deployed.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-3500, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.
When suspected hate-motivated offences are reported to police, the investigation could be led by a Divisional investigator with the support of the Hate Crime Unit (HCU), or in some cases, will be investigated exclusively by the HCU.
If it is alleged a criminal offence was committed (such as assault or mischief) and it is believed to have been motivated by bias, prejudice or hate, the officer-in-charge may consult with the Crown. If a person is charged and convicted of the offence, the Judge will take into consideration hate as an aggravating factor when imposing a sentence.
Wilful promotion of hatred and advocating genocide are hate propaganda (hate speech) offences which require the Attorney General’s consent to lay charges. These charges are often laid at a later time.
Constable Caroline de Kloet for Detective Kelly Lukas
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https://www.tps.ca/
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