Police say a Toronto man also faces rare charges of genocide, in addition to more than two dozen other crimes inspired by hate Jewish communities.
Amir Arvahi Azar, 32, was arrested on January 11 for an incident between April 26, 2024 and January 3, 2025, Toronto police said in a press release on Monday. Police said they were unable to provide more details about the alleged crime due to the publication ban.
Hazard faces 29 charges, including intentional promotion of hatred, plus hate advocates for genocide, demanding the attorney general’s consent.
The allegations have not been tested in court.
Barbara Perry, a hate crime expert, said law enforcement has an incredibly high standard in deciding whether to file such charges.
“These allegations are often reserved for the worst and most threatening crimes,” said Perry, director of the Center for Hate, Prejudice and Extremism at Ontario University of Technology.
“There are many factors [law enforcement is] She said.
“Is he really encouraging and inciting hatred for others?
With reports on hate-motivated crimes, CBC’s ioanna Roumeliotis explores how the split of the Israeli-Hamas war was played on the streets of Toronto and exclusively visited the police hate crime department to find out how it reacts.
Perry said history shows it is difficult to prove the allegations in court.
From 2010 to 2020, Canadian courts dealt with 305 counts of crimes related to hate crimes Internal research Hate in the federal government promotes hatred for 85%, and genocide accounts for only 6%. The study found that of the 81 hate cases completed in the decade, only 43% of guilt ended with guilt.
The defendant also charged with arson, other crimes
Hazard’s allegations also include arson, public incitement to hate, criminal harassment, mischief of cultural property and multiple weapons crimes.
Deputy Commissioner Rob Johnson said the allegations were the result of a month-long investigation led by the centralized hate crime department.
“We know these allegations are very serious and people are worried,” Johnson said in a video statement. “I want to assure everyone that we will continue to do everything we can to ensure the safety of the community.”
Police said Azar was released after Monday’s bail hearing and several conditions were imposed, including a House arrest for an ankle monitor.
A spokesman for the Ontario court said in an email that he will return to court on April 28.
Michelle Stock, vice president of the Ontario Center for Israel and Jewish Affairs, said her organization will closely monitor the case.
“We encourage us to see law enforcement and Crown prosecutors upholding the rule of law and to take action to hold individuals accountable for alleged hate-motivated crimes,” she said in an emailed statement.
“In a period of rising anti-Semitism and hatred, authorities must show zero tolerance for those who have crossed criminal acts.”
