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Ottawa Citizen

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. Article content Article content 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.' Article content Article content Demonstrators did not comply with that request, police said. Article content Article content 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. Article content One of the protest organizers, Sarah Wazzi-Moukahal with the Palestinian Youth Movement, was arrested several days later on Nov. 24. Article content 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. Article content '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.' Article content Article content 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.' Article content All of those charged spent a day in jail, which Karimjee called a 'significant consequence.' Article content Article content 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 Those conditions have since been withdrawn. Article content '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. Article content '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.