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Police arrest five more suspects in connection with display of antisemitic signage at protest
Police say the five suspects displayed or distributed antisemitic signs and three also face disguise charges after a rally that drew pro-Palestinian protesters.
On Sunday, Toronto Police arrested five individuals in connection with a March 15 demonstration at Bathurst Street and Sheppard Avenue, charging them with wilful promotion of hatred and public incitement of hatred.
Investigators allege the accused displayed or distributed antisemitic signs while attending the rally with pro-Palestinian protesters, with some individuals wearing disguises to conceal their identities during the alleged offences.
Vowing that the Toronto Police Service will be "relentless," Chief Myron Demkiw called the wilful promotion of hatred a "rare charge" requiring Attorney General consent.
These arrests bring the total charged in connection with the same protest to six, following the April arrest of Muhammad Anas Sial, who faces similar wilful promotion of hatred counts.
Broader enforcement efforts have resulted in 536 total arrests, while the service has laid 30 hate propaganda charges, including 11 for wilful promotion of hatred, since Oct. 7, 2023.