Toronto man accused of advocating genocide against Jewish community
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A 32-year-old Toronto man faces dozens of charges including advocating genocide and willful promotion of hatred following a months-long investigation into hate crimes allegedly aimed toward the Jewish community.
Toronto Police said the aforementioned two charges are rarely laid in Canada and were laid with the consent of the Ministry of the Attorney General.
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Police said the incidents are alleged to have happened between April 26, 2024, and Jan. 3. They said no further details can be released due to a court-imposed publication ban.
“We were able to lay these charges because of the meticulous work of our centralized hate crime unit,” deputy chief Robert Johnson said in a video posted on Toronto Police’s YouTube channel.
“We know that these charges are very serious and that people are concerned. I want to assure everyone that we will continue to do everything we can to keep our community safe.”
Amir Arvahi Azar was arrested on Jan. 11 and charged with 29 criminal offences including advocating genocide, willful promotion of hatred, public incitement of hatred, arson, mischief, uttering threats, criminal harassment, possession of a restricted or prohibited firearm knowingly not holding a licence and registration certificate, possession of a firearm with an altered serial number, possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000, possession of credit card data and possession of a forgery instrument.
The accused was released after a bail hearing with several conditions imposed.
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs applauded the police actions.
“We are encouraged to see law enforcement and Crown prosecutors upholding the rule of law and taking action to hold individuals accountable for alleged hate-motivated crimes,” said Michelle Stock, Ontario vice-president for the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs.
“We will continue to monitor this case closely and expect that the justice system will pursue accountability wherever hate crimes occur.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-3500 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477) or 222tips.com.
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