Charges laid in hate-motivated assault at Global Day of Action demonstration in Toronto: police

Protesters march in support of regime change in Iran during a demonstration in Toronto, on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sammy Kogan

Police say an arrest has been made in a suspected hate-motivated assault at the Global Day of Action demonstration in Toronto on Saturday.

The rally, which saw upwards of 350,000 people congregate along a stretch of Yonge Street, was held in support of Iran’s Lion and Sun Revolution on Saturday.

Police said during the event, a demonstrator encountered the suspect while marching in the area of Yonge Street and Homewood Avenue.

“The accused made anti-Black comments to the victim and then proceeded to punch the victim in their chest and face,” police allege in a news release.

The victim, police said, sustained minor injuries as a result.

Police also allege that the suspect wore a balaclava to conceal his identity.

Police said 26-year-old Seyed Vorudi, of Toronto, has been charged with assault and wearing a disguise with intent.

“This investigation is being treated as a suspected hate-motivated offence,” police said in a news release issued Monday.