5 more charged with promoting hate against Jewish people after Toronto protest: cops

TORONTO — Toronto police say five more people have been charged with promoting hatred toward members of the Jewish community after an incident at a demonstration in March.

Police say protesters and counter-protesters attended a rally at Bathurst Street and Sheppard Avenue West the afternoon of March 15.

They allege the accused were there with other pro-Palestinian protesters and either displayed or distributed antisemitic signs.

Police say some of the suspects were disguised at the time.

Investigators say they searched several locations in Toronto and nearby Durham Region on Sunday and seized clothing and devices.

The five accused, all between the ages of 19 and 48, are each facing multiple charges. Another suspect was charged with similar offences in April and May, related to the same protest.

“This is an example of what we mean when we say that arrests and charges can come at any time after an incident,” police Chief Myron Demkiw said in a news release.

“We will continue to be relentless in following the evidence to hold those who commit criminal acts of hate accountable.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 1, 2026.