8 Pro-Palestinian Protesters Charged for Allegedly Breaking Into Toronto MP’s Office

Police keep watch as people take part in a pro-Palestinian protest near the U.S. Consulate on Feb. 15, 2024. The Canadian Press/Nathan Denette

Eight people have been arrested after allegedly breaking into a Liberal MP’s office during a pro-Palestinian protest, Toronto police said.

The Toronto Police Service (TPS) said it responded to a call for the Bloor Street West and Dorval Road area around 11:20 a.m. on Oct. 9.

Between 30 and 40 people “forced their way” into the office of MP Karim Bardeesy, according to police. The only staff member in the office hid in a room and called 911, and police said they “escorted the staff member to safety” when they arrived.

Police directed all the individuals on the premise to vacate. “Eight individuals refused to comply and were placed under arrest,” TPS said.

Faisal Ibrahim, 39; Chloe Tse, 24; Matthew J. Goodings, 59; Francois Villeneuve, 48; Atia A. Haq, 38; Susan Goldstein, 67; Alexander Vesuna, 30; and Michael DeForge, 38, all of Toronto, have been charged with forcible entry, unlawful assembly, mischief, and obstructing a peace officer.

TPS said they are scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 25.

A group called Parkdale-High Park for Palestine announced the “sit-in” at the MP’s office on social media, asking others to join.

“For too long our federal MP has refused to act in meaningful solidarity with the Palestinian people,” the Oct. 9 post said.

The Canadian Press contributed to this article.