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 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 to hold counter-protests.
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 a group of protesters, 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.