An Al-Quds Day protest proceeded in downtown Toronto on Saturday after a judge dismissed the province of Ontario’s attempt to block the demonstration. Premier Doug Ford expressed his disappointment with the court’s decision.
Al-Quds Day Demonstration Allowed to Proceed
Al-Quds Day is an annual demonstration organized to show support for Palestinians. Organizers and social media posts promoting the rally also indicated calls for “no war in Iran and Lebanon.” The rally drew counter-protesters, leading to opposing groups gathering and exchanging chants and opinions.
Toronto police deployed hundreds of officers to ensure the safety and security of all those present. Lawyers representing the province had asked a judge to block the demonstration following Premier Ford’s condemnation of the event as “hateful.”
However, Justice Robert Centa ruled less than an hour before the scheduled start time that the province did not meet the legal requirements to prevent the protest. He stated there was insufficient evidence to suggest the protest would lead to significant criminal activity or that police would be unable to maintain peace.
“The right to assemble and speak freely must be maintained in times of global conflict,” Centa added.
Police temporarily closed several streets in downtown Toronto as the protest moved along University Avenue, but roads have since reopened. Police stated they were monitoring the demonstration and would enforce the law if necessary.
“The rights to assembly and free expression are fundamental here in Canada, but there are laws that must be adhered to, and we will enforce them,” police said. “Officers are on the ground today to uphold the right to demonstrate lawfully while holding those who engage in criminal activity accountable.”
Stephen Ellis, legal counsel for the Al-Quds Day demonstration, said the rally was intended to allow participants to speak out against war in the Middle East. “This day is very, very important. Right now the Middle East is on fire, in Iran, in Lebanon, in Palestine, so being able to express ourselves against war is really important,” Ellis said.
Ford described Al-Quds Day in a social media post as “a venue for antisemitism, hatred, intimidation and the glorification of terrorism.” He added, “I won’t stop working to put an end to the hatred and division that runs too rampant on Canada’s streets.”
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association called Ford’s attempt to shut down the protest “an extraordinary and dangerous step” and warned it threatened Charter-protected freedoms.
– With files from The Canadian Press
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