Peterborough Police Make Lay Promotion of Hatred Charge From Distribution of Anti-Semitic Flyers Last Summer

The Peterborough Police Service has laid an additional charge against a 31-year-old Peterborough man in connection with the distribution of anti-Semitic flyers during the summer oof last year.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

The Criminal Code of Canada contains specific provisions and authorizations required to proceed with charges related to hate crimes. Investigators immediately sought authorization from the Ministry of Attorney General to proceed with such charge, and this is the first time the Peterborough Police Service has received authorization to lay a charge of:

• Willful promotion of hatred

Between May and July 2023, The Peterborough Police Service received reports of anti-Semitic flyers having been distributed across the city.

After a four month investigation, investigators identified and arrested a 31-year-old Peterborough man on Sept. 15. 

Following the arrest, the Peterborough Police Service applied to the Ministry of the Attorney General to have the incidents deemed as a willful promotion of hatred under the Criminal Code of Canada.  In December, the application was granted and earlier this month the accused was notified of the new charges.  The accused appeared in court on Tuesday for a first appearance on those charges.

“As a Service tasked with ensuring public safety and on behalf of our community, we are thankful the Ministry of the Attorney General agreed with our assessment that the charge of willful promotion of hatred was warranted,” said Chief Stuart Betts. “We take these types of incidents very seriously and believe that there is no room for hate in our community.”

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