Third man charged after JDL rally

Police have charged a third person with assault in connection with a violent rally held earlier this month outside Palestine House in Mississauga, Ont.

The Jewish Defense League, which organized the July 3 protest, believes the individual is a supporter of Palestine House who allegedly punched a JDL member and hit another in the head with a camera.

Palestine House is a “cultural and education” centre for Palestinians in Canada with no political ties, its staff say, but the JDL has accused it of “radicalization” and support for Hamas.

Sergeant David Kennedy said Peel Regional Police on Tuesday arrested a male who was at the rally on an “assault related charge,” but would not identify any more details about the person so as to not hinder the investigation.

“The reason that we haven’t been able to give any more is because obviously the review of the video and a number of witness statements from that night takes time and it’s an ongoing investigation,” he said. “Investigators continue to interview witnesses and review video footage in hopes of gaining a further understanding of every person’s involvement.”

A partial video of the protest shows someone being hit with a stick carrying the Palestinian flag amid commotion that included pushing and shoving between the two sides. Police arrested two people on July 9 and 11, respectively. Both face charges of assault.

No JDL members have been charged, according to the group’s president, Meir Weinstein. Two people protesting with the group were arrested at the rally but released unconditionally after a short period of time.

“Members of our community were assaulted by them,” said Palestine House spokesperson Raed Ayad. “These people are approaching the police themselves to provide evidence as to who hit them.”

Mr. Ayad said Palestine House is co-operating with police and has provided video and other evidence to assist with the investigation, but that the group has not made any official claims regarding the JDL’s actions.

He said he met with the detective in charge of the investigation on Tuesday and will meet with him again next week to provide further evidence.

“July 3 wasn’t the first time that we were at least harassed by [the JDL],” he added.

Mr. Weinstein said he became aware of the latest charges on Wednesday. He said the JDL has also been in touch with police to assist with the investigation and speculated there could be one more arrest coming.

“They’ve indicated to us there’s going to be four people altogether or something like that,” he said.