Toronto man accused of displaying terrorist flag at protest

Article content

A 41-year-old Toronto man is facing a charge of public incitement of hatred after allegedly displaying a terrorist flag at a downtown protest.

Toronto Police allege Maged Sameh Hilal Al Khalaf marched in the Queen St. W. and Bay St. area on Sunday while waving a flag of an organization listed as a terrorist group by Public Safety Canada.

Police would not reveal which flag the protester was allegedly carrying.

Al Khalaf has a court appearance scheduled for next month.

“Hate and intimidation can have no space in our city and we have been unwavering in our commitment to restore the sense of public safety, and not tolerate behaviour that crosses the line to criminal activity,” Chief Myron Demkiw said in a statement.

“Our officers have worked tirelessly to manage 308 demonstrations … exponentially more than any other city in Canada.”

Demkiw, who attended the Toronto Police Services Board monthly meeting Thursday morning, said demonstrations have escalated in the city, particularly on the Avenue Rd. bridge over Hwy. 401.

Those protests pose a public safety threat that has left many in the surrounding Jewish community feeling intimidated, he added.

“Moving forward, demonstrations or the congregation of individuals on the Avenue Rd. overpass will not be permitted. People can expect to be arrested if necessary,” Demkiw said.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

Try refreshing your browser, or
tap here to see other videos from our team.

Play Video