An activist who has become a recognizable face at some of Canada’s most heated protests was among several arrested on hate-motivated and other charges related to an anti-Israel protest.
Deana Sherif, 47, faces eight charges and was denied bail after allegedly assaulting a police officer and two others and harassing people as they left a religious service in what police have called a hate-motivated incident.
When asked if the Jewish community was targeted and if the religious service was at a synagogue, a spokesperson from the Ottawa Police Service told True North they “will not identify the victims so as not to further victimize.”
Sherif was arrested after a series of protest-related incidents on Apr. 15, in the wake of Iran’s attack on Israel.
She is charged with assaulting a police officer with the intent to prevent an arrest, obstructing a peace officer in the execution of their duty, two counts of assault with a weapon, possession of a weapon dangerous to the public, two counts of hate-motivated harassment, and threatening behaviour and intimidation.
According to Ottawa police, Sherif allegedly assaulted a police officer while impeding an arrest.
“While police were attempting to effect a lawful arrest, the individual inserted herself into the situation, and in doing so physically assaulted one of the officers,” police said in a news release.
Police said while Sherif was taking part in “another pop-up demonstration” the same day, she allegedly assaulted another man.
“The victim attempted to walk near the group of demonstrators to get to their destination, an argument ensued with the individual during which she assaulted the victim with a handheld sound amplifier. The individual then continued to verbally assault and impede the victim while they were attempting to walk away,” Ottawa police said.
Police say Sherif allegedly followed another individual from a “religious event” where she was accused of shouting “hateful messages” and assaulting him with a “handheld sound amplifier.”
Sherif has been seen escalating tensions at protests since the Freedom Convoy in Ottawa in February 2022.
She has been known to attend protests and counter-protests at school board meetings, anti-carbon tax rallies, pro-life events, and Pride-related protests.
In a 2022 Global News video, Sherif can be seen striking a Freedom Convoy protester with her megaphone.
In another incident on Mar. 3 of this year, Sherif protested outside of a synagogue while wearing a Palestinian keffiyeh.
On X spaces, Sherif joked with like-minded individuals about using an electronic sound device, that her co-host Joe Morin gifted her, as a weapon.
In an email to True North the Ottawa Police Service said it will investigate all public complaints related to hate-motivated incidents. However, the force said it could not comment further as the matter is before the courts.
There is a publication ban on her court proceedings.. Her next court date is May 1.
