Protester charged with assaulting officer at North York demonstration

A Toronto Police Service logo patch is shown in Toronto, on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby

A counter-protester has been charged with assaulting an officer following an altercation at a North York site which sees frequent demonstrations around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Toronto police said the incident occurred on Sunday, December 8 at the intersection of Bathurst Street and Sheppard Avenue.

Pro-Israel demonstrators demanding the release of hostages held by Hamas have been holding regular protests near the intersection for months. In recent weeks, pro-Palestinian counter-demonstrators have come to the area as well.

Police have been on site at the protests, keeping both parties to either side of Bathurst Street.

According to police, one of the counter-demonstrators crossed the street Sunday and approached the pro-Israel demonstration, yelling at them through a megaphone.

Police said officers intervened to “prevent a breach of the peace” and the suspect then allegedly assaulted one of the officers.

The counter-protester was taken into custody and charged.

Police said 32-year-old Muhammad Anas Sial has been charged with assaulting a peace officer with a weapon.

He is scheduled to make a court appearance on Feb. 14.