Toronto man charged with terrorism over Hamas-linked pro-Palestinian protests

A 33-year-old Toronto man, Ahmad Hassan Hajahmad (also known as Ahmad Jarrar), has been charged with participating in or contributing to the activities of a terrorist group after prosecutors say he attended pro-Palestinian protests in May and September 2024 and used amplification devices to publicly call for harm against Israeli and Jewish communities. Police, working with the RCMP’s Integrated National Security Enforcement Team, say evidence collected from a March 2025 search of his home supports that he acted for the benefit of Hamas, a designated terrorist organization. Ontario and federal attorneys general approved the charges, which carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Investigators say the case marks a rare link between domestic pro-Palestinian demonstrations and Hamas, and they note ongoing efforts to bolster counter-terrorism investigations. Hajahmad appeared in court with publication bans in place on further details, and authorities say investigations into demonstrations do not end with the events themselves. He faces up to a decade in prison if convicted, with authorities emphasizing continued vigilance against radicalization at public gatherings.