Two men were arrested after violent incidents at Toronto’s Al-Quds Day rally, police confirmed.
The first suspect allegedly assaulted a demonstrator holding an Islamic Republic of Iran flag on a stick - breaking it and striking the person in the head. He faces charges of assault and mischief under $5,000.
The second suspect allegedly spat on and ripped off an Iran flag worn by a demonstrator, then lit the flag on fire and affixed Iranian flags to his shoes. He is charged with assault, criminal harassment, theft, possession of stolen property, and public incitement of hatred.
Toronto Police are investigating both cases as suspected hate-motivated offences.
The rally proceeded after Justice Robert Centa dismissed Ontario’s last-minute injunction request. Premier Doug Ford called the event “hateful” and “a venue for antisemitism,” while legal counsel Stephen Ellis described it as a protest against war in Palestine, Iran, and Lebanon. The Canadian Civil Liberties Association condemned the province’s attempt to block the rally as a threat to Charter rights.