A 31-year-old Peterborough man is facing charges related to the distribution of anti-Semitic flyers in various neighborhoods in Peterborough.
Following a four-month investigation, officers from the Investigative Services Unit executed a search warrant on Friday at a residence, uncovering evidence linked to the distribution of the flyers that occurred between May and July.
During the course of the investigation, the suspect provided police with false personal information. As a result, the man was arrested and charged with Mischief, which involves obstructing, interrupting, or interfering with any person’s lawful use, enjoyment, or operation of property, as well as Obstructing a Peace Officer.
The accused has been released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court on September 26th.
In light of these developments, the Peterborough Police Service is working in consultation with the Ministry of the Attorney General to potentially classify these incidents as a “willful promotion of hatred” under the Criminal Code of Canada.
Peterborough Police Chief Stuart Betts expressed his gratitude for the dedication of the investigators and officers involved in the investigation, emphasizing that hate has no place in the community. He underlined the importance of thoroughly investigating the source of the troubling material and reaffirmed the commitment to public safety.
The legal process for investigating hate-motivated or bias-motivated criminal charges under the Criminal Code of Canada involves a careful balancing of constitutional rights with legal considerations. Before laying such charges, police must conduct a comprehensive investigation and seek consent from the Attorney General’s Office, as outlined in specific sections of the Criminal Code.
(Written by: Scott Arnold)