Hate crime threats issued online seem to be on the rise; Durham police have charged a man for promoting anti-Muslim violence online.
On Monday, September 21 (see below), police announced it had arrested a man for threatening to shoot at a Jewish synagogue. Both incidents are related to the Town of Whitby.
On Wednesday, September 23, investigators with the Hate Crime Unit concluded an investigation and took a man into custody after he reportedly promoted anti-Muslim hatred online.
Police said the suspect willfully incited violence and harm against the Muslim community on social media platforms under the name ‘Sean Strife’.
The 57-year old man from Whitby was held for a bail hearing. Name and further details available at www.drps.ca.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Hate Crime Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5800.
Police Warning
DRPS has stated that: “Acts that target, intimidate, threaten, or instill fear in any individual or group are unacceptable and will be thoroughly investigated.”
Recent amendments to the Criminal Code through Canada’s Combatting Hate Act (Bill C-9) have strengthened protections against hate-motivated crime by creating new offences related to:
• Hate-motivated criminal offences
• Intimidating individuals from accessing places of worship, schools, community centres, and other spaces used by identifiable groups
• Obstructing lawful access to those protected spaces
• Willfully promoting hatred through the public display of certain terrorism-related and hate symbols
Hate-motivated conduct remains a serious concern, and when supported by evidence, investigators will work with Crown counsel to determine the appropriate charges and sentencing considerations.
DRPS has stated that it remains committed to protecting the safety, dignity, and well-being of all members of the community.
Earlier Story
Shooting threat to Whitby synagogue before Belleville gunfire
Editor’s Note: Durham Post does not name the accused parties as:
1. Of this time, they are suspect[s] and not convicted by a court, and
2. Sometimes charges are amended or dropped.
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