Vancouver – A Vancouver Police investigation has resulted in criminal charges against a man who allegedly uttered threats against Jewish people and defaced a poster of a Jewish hostage.
“We support everyone’s right to expresses themselves peacefully, respectfully, and lawfully,” says Constable Tania Visintin. “We will not tolerate actions, behaviour or speech that promotes hatred, and we hope this sends a clear message about how committed we are to investigating all hate crimes.”
VPD initiated an investigation October 22, 2023, after receiving reports a poster of Israeli hostages was defaced with anti-Semitic words and an anti-Semitic symbol near Main Street and East King Edward Avenue. Witnesses also reported a man using anti-Semitic and threatening language.
On February 21, the BC Prosecution Service approved charges of willful promotion of hatred against an identifiable group and uttering threats against 33-year-old Mircea Iulian Pripoae. A warrant was issued for his arrest.
Pripoae turned himself in to police on March 7 and was released with court-ordered conditions until his next court appearance.
