Man charged following string of hate-related graffiti incidents in Winnipeg

A 34-year-old man has been charged after hateful graffiti was painted at a synagogue and a high school. Jon Hendricks has more.

Winnipeg police have arrested and charged a 34-year-old man in connection with several instances of hate-related graffiti in the city, including at a synagogue, mosque and a school.

Oliver Didtger Ederhof, was arrested on Thursday and charged with 14 counts of mischief under $5,000 and obstructing enjoyment.

Police said hate-related and random graffiti was spray painted on homes, garages and vehicles in the Crescentwood neighbourhood on Jan. 2, as well as on the entrance of Munson Park on Wellington Crescent.

Swastikas were also found spraypainted on the exterior of Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, Kelvin High School, and Abu Bakr Al-Siddique Community Centre and Masjid.

Surveillance video from community members was used by police to identify a suspect.

“This arrest matters, not just because the law was broken, but because our community deserves to know that actions like this will be confronted and answered with justice,” said Insp. Jen McKinnon with the Winnipeg Police Service’s major crimes unit.

McKinnon added, “This arrest will not erase what happened, but it is important step towards accountability and healing.”

Hate crime charges were not laid, but McKinnon said things could change.

“We are consulting with Manitoba prosecutions on this, and we’ll be continuing that investigation, and those charges can be considered once we come to the end of that,” she said.

McKinnon said police continue to investigate vandalism at Habibiz Café, a Palestianian-own restaurant that had its windows smashed and a threatening message left behind last week. She said the incident at the restaurant is not connected with the other instances of vandalism.

Ederhof was released on an undertaking and none of the charges have been proven in court.