TDF appears in court to defend Pastor Jeffrey Sapocinik against charges for peaceful street preaching.
TORONTO— The Democracy Fund is representing Pastor Jeffrey Sapocinik, who is fighting a criminal charge of causing a disturbance under s.175 of the Criminal Code after peacefully preaching on a Toronto street.
On September 26, TDF's legal team appeared in court to formally go on record as counsel for Pastor Sapocinik and to notify the court that they have yet to receive and review the necessary disclosure from the Crown. The matter has been adjourned and is returnable on October 24.
Pastor Sapocinik was arrested on July 19 while on a public sidewalk peacefully sharing his Christian beliefs in Toronto. Police officers approached him and, after discussion, arrested and charged him with causing a disturbance. This incident echoes a previous charge in November 2023 Pastor Sapocinik received for preaching near the Toronto Santa Claus Parade. The Crown prosecutors withdrew the charge prior to trial.
TDF continues to support Pastor Sapocinik in his latest legal defence. TDF lawyers are expected to argue that the application of s.175 in this context is inappropriate and violates Pastor Sapocinik's Charter-protected rights to freedom of expression and religion.
Senior litigation counsel for TDF, Adam Blake-Gallipeau, added, “We are committed to ensuring Pastor Sapocinik receives a fair trial. The ongoing attempts to criminalize his peaceful religious expression undermine core Charter freedoms, and we will fight to protect his rights.”
Founded in 2021, The Democracy Fund (TDF) is a Canadian charity dedicated to constitutional rights, advancing education, and relieving poverty. TDF promotes constitutional rights through litigation and public education and supports an access to justice initiative for Canadians whose civil liberties have been infringed by government lockdowns and other public policy responses to the pandemic.