Ottawa pro-Palestinian protesters claim legal victory after all charges dropped
Local pro-Palestinian groups are claiming a legal victory after all charges were dropped against five protesters who were arrested in connection with a demonstration that spilled onto downtown streets in November 2024.
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The Nov. 18, 2024 demonstration began around 5 p.m. at the Human Rights Monument on Elgin Street and, according to police, organizers were advised 'multiple times' to 'limit their demonstration to the sidewalk and not obstruct traffic.'
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Demonstrators did not comply with that request, police said.
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Four demonstrators — Josh Lalonde, Ayman Fadil, Ali Nasser El Dinne, and Hassan Hamed — were arrested during the demonstration and faced multiple charges, including mischief, obstructing police and participating in an unlawful protest.
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One of the protest organizers, Sarah Wazzi-Moukahal with the Palestinian Youth Movement, was arrested several days later on Nov. 24.
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Deputy Crown attorney Moiz Karimjee informed the court on May 9 that all charges would be dropped after all five made a donation to charity and wrote letters to the court 'admitting to the limits of lawful protest and promising to obey the law in any future protests.
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'The right to protest is protected by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. However, the right to protest is not absolute,' Karimjee said in court. 'There are limitations. The community has a right to law and order. Change cannot be pursued by breaching criminal law.'
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The demonstrators had 'an incomplete and inaccurate understanding about the right to protest being absolute and without limitations,' Karimjee said. 'These accused have taken responsibility, sought out legal advice from lawyers with knowledge of criminal law, and learned of the limits of lawful protest.'
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All of those charged spent a day in jail, which Karimjee called a 'significant consequence.'
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All five were released on bail, banned from communicating with each other and were forbidden from attending, organizing or participating in protests related to the conflict in the Middle East. Those conditions have since been withdrawn.
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'The consequence of being charged and spending time in pretrial custody sends a clear message for everyone to protest within the boundaries of criminal law,' Karimjee said in court last week.
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'Victory: all charges dropped! Today, our community members walk free with their heads held high.' the Ottawa chapter of the Palestinian Youth Movement wrote in a May 9 social media post following the hearing.
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