Toronto police charge two more in antisemitic March demonstration investigation

Toronto police charged two more people Saturday in connection with a wilful promotion of hatred investigation stemming from a March demonstration that targeted members of the Jewish community.

Daniela Bonamico and Shahram Nayeb-Yazdi were charged with wilful promotion of hatred and public incitement of hatred. Both were scheduled to appear in a Toronto bail court Saturday.

The charges relate to the March 15 afternoon demonstration in the Bathurst Street and Sheppard Avenue West area. Police alleged the accused went to a storage locker to get antisemitic signs that day, attended the demonstration with other protesters, and displayed the signs in front of members of the public, including supporters of Israel in the same area. They allegedly yelled derogatory slurs as they marched toward Israel supporters.

In April and June, six other people were charged with wilful promotion of hatred and public incitement of hatred. Three of those co-accused were also charged with disguise with intent. Police executed a search warrant and arrested Bonamico and Nayeb-Yazdi as part of the same investigation.

Chief Constable Demkiw said in a previous statement: "This is an example of what we mean when we say that arrests and charges can come at any time after an incident. We will continue to be relentless in following the evidence to hold those who commit criminal acts of hate accountable."

The allegations against all accused have not been proven in court.