Edmonton man charged for uttering threats against Jewish community

Edmonton police are condemning hate-motivated crimes after a 31-year-old man was charged for posting online threats against the Jewish community.

In a news release Monday, Edmonton police said the man was charged with uttering threats after “concerning social media posts” threatening harm to the Jewish community were discovered online last month.

Edmonton police were alerted to the Facebook posts by the Niagara Regional Police Service on Dec. 17. Investigators identified the suspect and issued warrants for his arrest on Dec. 19, Edmonton police said.

Police declined to detail the content of the threats but characterized the messages as hate-motivated. No specific person or organization were identified, police said.

In a news release, the Edmonton Police Service alluded to December's Bondi Beach attack, where two gunmen opened fire at a Hanukkah event on the iconic Australian beach, killing 15 people and injuring 40 others.

EPS Chief Warren Driechel said the police service is concerned about hate crimes. The news released noted that EPS would like to see a harsher penality in the event of a conviction.

'Combat hatred and violence'

“Following recent events in Australia, as well as ongoing conflicts taking place in various countries across the globe, we want to assure our local faith communities that, regardless of denomination, your safety is our priority,”  Driechel said in a statement.

The EPS Hate Crimes Unit is recommending that Section 718.2 of the Criminal Code of Canada be applied in the case, a measure which allows the courts to consider increased sentencing when there is evidence the offence was motivated by hatred.

“This investigation is an example of how police across Canada continuously work together to combat hatred and violence," Driechel said.

“Whether online or in person, hate has no place in our society, and we will continue to investigate these incidents to the fullest extent."

The accused man remained in custody for weeks following his arrest due to a delay in his bail hearing, police said.  He has since been released and will be living in Saskatoon under strict court conditions.

He may not attend within 100 metres of any Jewish place of worship, community centre or known community event. As well, he must remain in his residence 24 hours a day, seven days a week for the entirety of the order, with the exception of pre-approved outings for work or medical care.

He is barred from being in possession of any electronic devices that can connect to the internet, with the exception of use for employment purposes, and is prohibited from making posts of any kind to social media. He is also barred from owning weapons, including firearms and explosives.

He will appear in court in early February.