Police Investigate Hate Crime in Vancouver: Pro-Palestinian Group's Office Searched

Last Thursday, Vancouver police took one person into custody as part of a hate crime investigation. The arrest happened during a search of a home in the 1800 block of East 1st Avenue. The person was later released while the investigation continues. Police are looking into a possible violation of Canada's Criminal Code related to inciting hatred. Interestingly, the pro-Palestinian group Samidoun, recently labeled as a terrorist organization by the Canadian government, has its registered address in the same block where the search took place. Charlotte Kates, one of Samidoun's directors, was previously arrested for praising a Hamas attack on Israel as "heroic and brave" during a rally. She was released with conditions but no charges were filed. The Hamas attack on Israel resulted in significant civilian casualties, sparking a major offensive in Gaza.