A judge has rejected Ontario’s attempt to block the Al-Quds Day protest in Toronto, allowing the demonstration to proceed.
Justice Robert Centa ruled the province failed to meet the legal threshold for an injunction, stating there was not enough evidence to prove the protest would lead to major criminal activity or that police couldn’t maintain order.
“The right to assemble and speak freely must be maintained in times of global conflict,” Centa said.
The annual event, organized to express support for Palestinians, also includes calls against war in Iran and Lebanon, according to rally organizers.
Stephen Ellis, legal counsel for the demonstration, emphasized the importance of free expression amid ongoing Middle East conflicts.
“Right now the Middle East is on fire, in Iran, in Lebanon, in Palestine, so being able to express ourselves against war is really important,” Ellis said.
Toronto police closed several downtown streets ahead of the gathering.