Canadian anti-Israel activist charged for assault during Ottawa protest

Published: APRIL 29, 2024 05:12

Updated: APRIL 30, 2024 11:31

Protesters hold an effigy of Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during a rally to call for a ceasefire, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas in Gaza, on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada March 9, 2024. (photo credit: REUTERS/Ismail Shakil) — Protesters hold an effigy of Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during a rally to call for a ceasefire, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas in Gaza, on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada March 9, 2024.

(photo credit: REUTERS/Ismail Shakil)

Just some of the charges are for intimidation, possession of a weapon, two charges for assault with a weapon, and hate-motivated harassment.

An Ottawa anti-Israel activist was arrested and charged with assault and hate-motivated harassment during an April 15 protest in the Canadian capital, local law enforcement announced on Saturday.

Deana Sherif, 47, is alleged to have assaulted a person with a "handheld sound amplifier" after the victim had walked near an anti-Israel demonstration and argued with her. Sherif used the device at a different location later in the day against another victim.

Sherif allegedly verbally abused both victims, shouting "hateful messages" at her target at the later event.

A litany of charges

In addition to charges for intimidation by disorderly following, possession of a weapon dangerous to the public, and two charges for assault with a weapon and hate-motivated harassment by threatening conduct, Sherif allegedly assaulted a police officer to prevent them from arrest.

"While police were attempting to effect a lawful arrest, the individual inserted herself into the situation, and in doing so, physically assaulted one of the officers," said The Ottawa Police Service Hate and Bias Crime Unit and Central Criminal Investigation Section.

Journalist Chris Dacey, who shared on X on Saturday that he has documented Sherif acting violently at such protests, said, "It's well past time she faces consequences for her actions."

April 15 was a day of mass protests across the world, with multiple organizations seeking to inflict economic blockades on vital arteries in Western nations to push them to enact anti-Israel policies.