A Rebel News-sponsored truck is under investigation by Toronto Police’s Hate Crime Unit for displaying ads that police say are “Islamophobic.”
The hate crimes unit is looking into complaints about the cube van which has been spotted on various city roads showing video footage of Muslims bowing in prayer as well as a large group of pro-Palestinian demonstrators in downtown Toronto. The ad asks “Is this Yemen? Is this Syria? Is this Iraq?” It goes on to say “Wake up Canada. You are under siege.”
Toronto Police Service (TPS) announced its investigation of the van was underway via social media.
While police would not confirm it is investigating Rebel News specifically, TPS media advisor Devika Deonarine told The Epoch Times a report from the public prompted its probe of the van.
“This is an ongoing investigation,” she said via email. “Any updates will be made via release.”
Police Chief Myron Demkiw also took to social media to announce the investigation.
The video ads were created by advocacy group Canadians Opposed to the Occupation of our Streets and Campuses, Mr. Levant said, adding that they show footage of what the “pro-Hamas gangs are doing to Toronto—including committing real crimes ignored by the police and politicians.”
“In the case of this particular ad, the images included pro-Hamas gangs shutting down the streets in downtown Toronto,” he said.
Mr. Levant pointed to other incidents in Toronto, including several attacks on the Jewish community, and raised the issue of police priorities.
“If I drive it by the Bais Chaya Mushka girls school that was shot at by masked gunmen, will you treat that shooting as a hate crime?”
