Vancouver police said they were investigating a pro-Palestinian protest during which speakers expressed “solidarity with terrorist groups.”
In a statement, police said they were investigating whether actions taken during Monday’s protest marking the first anniversary of Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7 constitute criminal offenses.
The rally at the Vancouver Art Gallery, organized by the Samidoun group, included a speaker who told the crowd that we are Hezbollah and we are Hamas
.
She also shouted died in Canada, died in the United States and died in Israel
.
Police said they heard from community members and others who were deeply offended
by the acts committed during the gathering.
Hamas and Hezbollah are both listed by Public Safety Canada as terrorist entities.
The surprise attack by Hamas militants left around 1,200 dead and led to the taking hostage of 250 people. It also caused a conflict which left around 41,000 dead in the Gaza Strip.
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Protesters in support of the Palestinians gathered in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery on October 7, 2024.
Photo: Radio-Canada / Justine Beaulieu-Poudrier
Canadian flags burned
The police statement comes after political leaders in British Columbia and Ottawa condemned the actions taken at the rally, where Canadian flags were also burned.
In Parliament, members of the Conservative Party of Canada have called for the Samidoun group to be added to the list of terrorist entities.
Outgoing British Columbia Premier David Eby said on social media that the province is united against violence and its glorification. We fight for peace.
Samidoun director Charlotte Kates was arrested last year during a police investigation into hate crimes. She has been released from custody and is due to appear before a judge, but a date has not been set.
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