UMVA has learned that a tense confrontation unfolded at the Walk with Israel event in Toronto on Sunday, resulting in six arrests by the Toronto Police.
The arrests took place in the area of Bathurst St. and Sheppard Ave. West, with all of the individuals being taken into custody for various charges related to disrupting the event. The incidents began when a group of protesters attempted to disrupt the walk.
John Eusebio, 35, of Toronto, was charged with assaulting a police officer after allegedly refusing to comply with multiple orders to leave the area outside the designated protest zone. He was asked to clear the walk route and move back to the designated walk area but failed to do so.
Ghada Hamouda, 60, of Toronto, was charged with obstructing a peace officer for allegedly leaving the designated walk zone with a group of protestors and attempting to provoke attendees at the entrance of Earl Bales Park. Despite multiple lawful directions from officers, Hamouda refused to clear the area.
Diana Bosco, 39, of Toronto, was also charged with obstructing a police officer after allegedly getting into a verbal argument with a protester and spitting in their direction. Her actions were deemed unacceptable and resulted in her arrest.
Ali Reza Hojjati, 40, of Richmond Hill, was charged with assault for allegedly displaying a sign with anti-Israel language and taunting attendees along the walk route. His actions led to a verbal confrontation between event participants and counter-protesters.
An unidentified woman was arrested for breach of the peace and later released, while a sixth person was investigated for operating a drone and issued a citation under Canadian aviation regulations.
The accused individuals are scheduled to appear in court on various dates: Eusebio, Hamouda, and Bosco on August 12, and Hojjati on September 2. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the police or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
