Two obstruction charges were withdrawn as TDF continues defending the Charter auditor facing the remaining criminal harassment charge.
TORONTO: The Democracy Fund (TDF) is pleased to announce that on June 22, 2026, two charges of obstructing a peace officer under section 129 of the Criminal Code against a Toronto-based Charter auditor and police auditor were withdrawn by the Crown.
The client was charged following an incident in which he was peacefully filming police activity while standing on public property outside a Toronto police station in February 2025. Following multiple Crown pre-trials and court appearances, TDF lawyers successfully secured the withdrawal of these two charges. However, our client continues to face one outstanding charge of criminal harassment under section 264 of the Criminal Code.
This remaining charge stems from similar events, including recording police on public property. As with its other clients criminally charged with engaging in peaceful speech, protest or assembly, TDF defends the principle that Charter rights should not be unreasonably infringed, especially when citizens exercise them by simply observing government officials.
Adam Blake-Gallipeau, Litigation Director at The Democracy Fund, commented:
“We are satisfied with the Crown’s decision to withdraw the two obstructing peace officer charges. Peaceful filming of police officers on public property is a protected Charter right that serves the important public interest of accountability and transparency. We will continue to vigorously defend our client against the remaining criminal harassment charge, which also arises from protected activity involving the documentation of police conduct.”
TDF remains committed to defending the client's right to free expression and will continue to represent him as the matter proceeds.
About The Democracy Fund:
Founded in 2021, The Democracy Fund (TDF) is a Canadian charity dedicated to constitutional rights, advancing education, and opposing religious discrimination. 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.