CANADA

BC Politician Launches Private Prosecution Over Hamas Praise

21.08.2025 5,62 B 5 Mins Read
BC Politician Launches Private Prosecution Over Hamas Praise

A member of the British Columbia legislature is initiating a private prosecution against a Vancouver woman who has publicly lauded Hamas's attack on Israel, carried out on October 7, 2023, describing it as "heroic." The member pursuing this action is Dallas Brodie, the leader of the OneBC party.

Brodie has filed allegations of "terrorism offences" against Charlotte Kates to the provincial court in British Columbia. Kates is identified in her social media profiles as the international coordinator for Samidoun, an organization that was designated as a terrorist entity in Canada in 2024.

In Canada, criminal proceedings typically start with law enforcement officers submitting information about the alleged offence. However, private prosecutions allow a member of the public to present this information and swear it under oath to a judge for evaluation by Crown prosecutors.

Brodie and her party provided an unsigned document detailing the accusations against Kates, which include "glorifying and defending terrorist entities." This accusation stems from Kates's speeches at pro-Palestinian rallies held in Vancouver, where she reportedly expressed support for the actions of Hamas.

On the day of the incident, Kates was arrested after delivering a speech at a rally where she proclaimed, "long live October 7," effectively praising the attack. Despite the serious nature of her comments, reports suggest that Kates was released from custody with conditions and no formal charges were filed against her at that time.

As the situation unfolds, Samidoun has stated that Kates regained her freedom following the initial incident. However, this latest development of a private prosecution has prompted questions about free speech versus issues of terrorism and when expressions of support may cross legal boundaries.

As of now, Samidoun has not provided any immediate feedback or comments concerning Brodie’s private prosecution against Kates. The case highlights the complexities surrounding public discourse related to geopolitical conflicts and the responsibilities of individuals in their statements and actions concerning recognized terrorist organizations.

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