Charge dropped for man accused of flying 'terrorist flag'

A charge against a Toronto man accused of flying what police deemed a "terrorist flag" at a pro-Palestinian demonstration earlier this year has been withdrawn.

The accused, a 41-year-old man, was charged with publicly inciting hatred after marching down Queen Street W. and Bay Street on Jan. 7 allegedly waving the flag of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine — an organization listed as a terrorist group by Public Safety Canada.

The man's lawyer, Shane Martínez, said the charge was withdrawn by the Crown Attorney because there was "no reasonable prospect of conviction." CBC Toronto reviewed court documents indicating the charge was dropped Friday.

"The Toronto Police were unable to provide evidence that the display of the flag communicated a statement that incited hatred against any identifiable group, nor could they provide evidence that displaying the flag was likely to lead to a breach of the peace — both of which are elements of the alleged offence," said Martínez in a statement.

Toronto police Chief Myron Demkiw previously called the charge "unprecedented," noting the "very high threshold" to charge anyone with a hate propaganda offence. Experts previously told CBC News the incident would be difficult prosecute as a hate crime.

"The withdrawal of the charge ... reminds us of why the presumption of innocence must outweigh sensationalism whenever the police announce that charges have been laid," said Martínez.

CBC News has reached out to Toronto police for comment.

More to come.