Hate posts targeting Muslims on social media leads to charges against Hamilton man: police

Hamilton | Ontario | Crime |

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Published August 18, 2021 at 2:48 pm

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A Hamilton man is accused of “intentionally targeting and promoted hatred against members of the Muslim community” on social media.

Matthew Fields, 26, was arrested Tuesday (Aug. 17) and charged with Wilful Promotion of Hatred.

Hamilton Police say they were notified about social posts made by Fields and initiated an investigation. 

“After the senseless killing of a Muslim family in London, Ontario, a 26-year-old Hamilton man intentionally targeted and promoted hatred against members of the Muslim community through social media,” reads an official media release from the Hamilton Police Service (HPS). 

The charge of Wilful Promotion of Hatred requires prior consent from the Ontario Attorney General (AG) in order to be applied. HPS says the request was made to and granted by the Deputy AG.

“Hate crime in Hamilton is not acceptable,” added HPS. “Left unchecked, hate crime can have a far-reaching impact on communities.”

Fields will appear in court Wednesday (Aug. 18) to answer the charge.

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