Lanaudière man pleads not guilty on two charges of inciting hatred

A Lanaudière resident pleaded not guilty Friday to two charges of inciting hatred in connection with a video he posted online in which he supports the man behind the Quebec City mosque attack.

Pierre Dion, 49, was released on bail at the Laval courthouse after agreeing to respect several conditions. His case will return to court on April 12.

Montreal radio station 98.5 FM broadcast part of Dion’s comments on Friday. In a video posted to his social networks on Jan. 29, exactly two years since the attack that left six men dead and another 19 injured, Dion complained about Alexandre Bissonnette being unjustly convicted.

Dion, who was arrested on Thursday, is no stranger to online controversies. He already faces a charge of inciting the commission of criminal acts in connection with a Facebook post made several months ago.

Commenting on the arrest, Sûreté du Québec spokesperson Daniel Thibodeau noted that any comment that is threatening or an incitement to hatred, whether made online or in person, could result in criminal charges being laid.

Bissonnette is to appear in court Feb. 8 to be sentenced for the murders.