Kingston man, 37, arrested for online hate-motivated comments targeting religious groups

A 37-year-old Kingston resident has been charged with public incitement of hatred after anonymous online comments targeted members of religious communities.

Kingston resident charged with inciting hatred over anonymous online posts

A 37-year-old Kingston resident has been arrested and charged with public incitement of hatred following a police investigation into anonymous online comments directed at members of religious communities, thewhig.com reports.

Kingston Police launched the investigation on 23 September after receiving a complaint about posts that allegedly encouraged hatred and violence toward identifiable groups. Further inquiries identified the suspect, who was subsequently arrested and held for a bail hearing.

Kingston Police Chief Adam MacIntosh issued a statement underlining the force's position on such offences. "Everyone deserves to feel safe in our community regardless of their religion, ethnicity, culture, or background," MacIntosh said. "Statements that promote hatred or violence against others have no place in our community. Hate-motivated behaviour undermines the values of respect, inclusion, and dignity that strengthen our community and will not be tolerated."

MacIntosh added that Kingston Police is committed to investigating hate-related allegations and holding individuals accountable "when criminal thresholds are met."

Police noted that hate-motivated behaviour can have a significant impact on communities and is treated as a serious matter. As the case is now before the courts, Kingston Police said it would not be releasing further details.

The arrest comes days after a shooting at a synagogue in Belleville, which police there described as a deliberate, hate-motivated attack directed at the Jewish community. A Belleville police officer was seriously injured during the incident. The shooter was also injured and later died. No other individuals were hurt, though the attack has prompted widespread calls for greater action by government and law enforcement to combat antisemitism.

Kingston Police has urged anyone who witnesses or experiences hate-motivated incidents — whether in person or online — to report them to police.

Source: Google News JM — Kingston