2 counter-protesters at Toronto Al-Quds Day rally charged

A judge has 'dismissed' the Ontario government’s request to stop the Al-Quds Day rally in downtown Toronto, allowing it to proceed Saturday afternoon.

Two men are facing charges following separate incidents at the Al-Quds Day demonstration in downtown Toronto on Saturday.

In a news release issued Sunday, Toronto police say the protest took place in the University Avenue and Armoury Street area, noting that counter-demonstrators were also present.

• Toronto’s Al-Quds rally goes ahead after judge dismisses Ontario’s injunction bid to stop it

Police say two unrelated incidents during the event led to arrests.

During one incident, it’s alleged a man participating in the counter-demonstration confronted a participant in the Al-Quds demonstration who was holding a stick with an Islamic Republic of Iran flag attached.

Police say the accused began swinging his arms and fists at the victim, breaking the stick and causing pieces of it to strike the victim in the head.

As a result, 56-year-old Farshid McVandifar of Toronto, was arrested and charged with:

• Mischief – Damage property under $5000
• Assault

He is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice on Wednesday.

Police allege that in a second incident, another man participating in the counter-demonstration followed a participant who was wearing an Islamic Republic of Iran flag on their back.

Investigators say the accused “spat on the victim and ripped the flag off their back” before returning to the crowd.

Police later located him among the counter-demonstration group, adding that the same individual was later seen lighting an Islamic Republic of Iran flag on fire and wearing Islamic Republic of Iran flags attached to the soles of his shoes.

Mostafa Shabanian Bashmandoost, 39, of Toronto, was arrested and charged with:

• Assault
• Criminal harassment
• Theft under $5000
• Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000
• Public incitement of hatred

He was scheduled to appear at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre on Sunday, March 15.

Police say both investigations are being treated as suspected hate-motivated offences.

Anyone with additional information is asked to come forward and contact police.