Hamas Terrorism Charge
Toronto Man Charged with Terrorism Over Alleged Hamas Link to Pro-Palestinian Protests
Anonymous
Key Points
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Prosecutors allege Hajahmad attended pro-Palestinian demonstrations in downtown Toronto’s Bay Street and Front Street West area on May 25 and Sept. 7, 2024.
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A March 7, 2025 search of Hajahmad’s Toronto home yielded multiple electronic devices, which investigators say support that he acted for the benefit of Hamas.
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The charge is a single count of participating in or contributing to the activities of a terrorist group, rather than multiple charges.
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Lawyer Mohamed El Rashidy said, "Speaking out at a protest about the killing of civilians is protected expression, not terrorism."
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Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw stressed that investigations into offences at demonstrations do not end when the event is over, highlighting ongoing counter-terrorism work.
A Toronto man has been charged with terrorism after prosecutors say he used a megaphone at pro-Palestinian protests to call for harm against Israeli and Jewish communities. Ahmad Hassan Hajahmad, 33, faces a single count of participating in or contributing to the activities of a terrorist group — specifically Hamas — and could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted, according to The Epoch Times.
Toronto Police and the RCMP's Integrated National Security Enforcement Team jointly led the investigation. Ontario and federal attorneys general both approved the charges before police made the arrest, Edmonton Sun reported.
What Hajahmad Allegedly Said at the Protests
Prosecutors say Hajahmad attended two pro-Palestinian demonstrations in downtown Toronto. The first was on May 25, 2024, and the second on Sept. 7, 2024. Both took place near Bay Street and Front Street West. At those events, he allegedly used amplification devices to publicly call for harm against Israeli and Jewish communities, according to Toronto Sun.
The CJN described Hajahmad as a leader of the anti-Israel protest movement in Canada. Investigators say his words and actions were done for the benefit of Hamas, which Canada designates as a terrorist organization. The charge is not about attending the protests — it is about what he allegedly said and did there.
Home Search Turned Up Key Electronic Evidence
On March 7, 2025, police searched Hajahmad's Toronto home. They seized multiple electronic devices. Investigators say the data on those devices supports their claim that he acted for the benefit of Hamas, The Epoch Times reported.
The investigation took roughly two years. It involved both the Toronto Police Service Hate Crime Unit and the RCMP's national security team. Israel National News noted this is a rare case in which Canadian authorities have directly linked domestic pro-Palestinian demonstrations to Hamas activity.
Defence Lawyer Calls It Protected Free Speech
Hajahmad's lawyer, Mohamed El Rashidy, pushed back hard on the charge. "Speaking out at a protest about the killing of civilians is protected expression, not terrorism," he said. El Rashidy argued that the case threatens the right to political speech at public demonstrations.
Hajahmad appeared in court with publication bans blocking further details from being released. The legal fight is expected to center on where free speech ends and incitement begins — a question Canadian courts have rarely had to answer in the context of pro-Palestinian protests.
Police Warn Protest Investigations Don't End With the Event
Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw sent a clear message after the arrest. "Investigations into offences at demonstrations do not end when the event is over," he said. He stressed that counter-terrorism work continues long after crowds go home.
Authorities say the case shows they are actively monitoring public gatherings for signs of radicalization. Edmonton Sun reported that police emphasized ongoing efforts to strengthen counter-terrorism investigations across Canada. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
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