A Canadian man, Patrick Gordon MacDonald, has been handed a 10-year prison sentence for promoting hate and violence against Jewish individuals and other groups through the dissemination of terrorist propaganda online. The 28-year-old will serve approximately 9 years and 9 months in prison after receiving credit for time served during his trial. Despite the Crown’s request for MacDonald to serve half of his sentence before being eligible for parole, the Superior Court Justice ruled otherwise.
In April, MacDonald was found guilty of three charges, including involvement in terrorist activities, promoting terrorism, and spreading hate against Jewish communities. MacDonald, who used the online alias Dark Foreigner, created racist and hate-filled recruitment videos in various locations, including Ottawa, Belleville, and Saint-Ferdinand. These videos depicted individuals in skull masks engaging in violent activities and included derogatory references to Jews.
During the trial, MacDonald’s actions were described as an attempt to terrorize society and incite violence. The judge emphasized the need for a sentence that reflects the community’s condemnation of such crimes. MacDonald expressed remorse in court, renounced his previous views, and engaged in counseling and volunteer work with minority groups during his bail period, indicating potential for rehabilitation.
Public reaction to the sentencing decision was swift, with authorities noting the dangers of individuals like MacDonald using the internet to spread hate and division. Organizations like B’nai Brith welcomed the court’s decision as a deterrent against extremism. The sentence is expected to set a precedent for similar cases, including ongoing prosecutions of individuals associated with the Atomwaffen Division.
While AWD may be defunct, the white nationalist movement in Canada remains active, with groups advocating for racist ideologies and militant actions. Evan Balgord, from the Canadian Anti-Hate Network, warned of the persistence of extremist groups promoting discriminatory practices like mass deportations and racial segregation in the country.