Ottawa man charged with willful promotion of hatred after antisemitic posters found in west end
An Ottawa man is facing a charge of willful promotion of hatred after antisemitic posters were found in multiple locations in the west end last fall.
Last November, the Ottawa Police Service Hate and Bias Crime Unit launched an investigation into a series of posters with hateful content that had appeared in public spaces. On Nov. 7, antisemitic and hateful posters were discovered near a skate park on Centrepointe Drive.
Paul Koppe, 28, of Ottawa was charged in December with 26 counts of Hate-motivated mischief.
On Thursday, Ottawa police announced Koppe is now facing a charge of willful promotion of hatred.
"Investigators submitted a request to the Attorney General of Ontario requesting his approval for formal charge of willful promotion of hatred to be laid in relation to the incidents," police said in a statement.
"On June 13, the request to the Attorney General of Ontario was approved and Paul Koppe was subsequently charged."
The Ottawa police website says there is no such thing as a hate crime in the Criminal Code of Canada, and a charge may fall under Section 319 – Willful Promotion of Hatred.
According to the Criminal Code of Canada, wilful promotion of hatred is "every one who, by communicating statements, other than in private conversation, wilfully promotes hatred against any identifiable group is guilty of an indictable offence."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
A healthy lifestyle can mitigate genetic risk for early death by 62%, study suggests
Even if your genetics put you at greater risk for early death, a healthy lifestyle could help you significantly combat it, according to a new study.
When you have a moment's notice to evacuate, what do you take?
Knowing what to have at home, or take with you for an evacuation, can be useful and even life-saving.
Steal a car, lose your driver's licence under new Ontario proposal
Repeat car thieves may face lengthy license bans under proposed changes to Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act.
B.C. brings in law on name changes on day that child killer's new identity revealed
The BC NDP have tabled legislation aimed at stopping people who have committed certain heinous acts from changing their names.
Sunchips, Munchies recalled by Frito Lay Canada for possible salmonella contamination
Frito Lay Canada is recalling two of its most popular snacks due to a possible risk of salmonella contamination.
No, a best-selling American writing duo didn't pen a Galen Weston romance novel
You would be forgiven for thinking Christina Lauren's latest romance novel stars a hunky reimagining of Loblaw chairman Galen G. Weston.
Ellen DeGeneres addresses the 'hurtful' end of her talk show in new stand-up set
Ellen DeGeneres is reflecting on how her talk show came to an end in her newest Netflix special, 'Ellen's Last Stand ... Up Tour.'
Avs forward Valeri Nichushkin suspended at least six months
Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin was suspended for at least six months without pay and placed in Stage 3 of the league's player assistance program.
Lice removal companies in the GTA say they're seeing a surge in infestations this year
After nearly 15 years in business, Shawnda Walker said the past 12 months has been the busiest year yet for her North York head lice removal company.