Hamilton man charged with promoting hate online against Muslim community

A 26-year-old man has been arrested following an investigation into social media posts that promoted hate against the Muslim community.

Matthew Field, of Hamilton, was arrested on Tuesday and charged with wilful promotion of hatred.

Police allege Field intentionally targeted and promoted hatred against members of the Muslim community after the tragic killing of a Muslim family in London, Ont. earlier this year.

Police say investigators needed prior consent from the Attorney General to lay a charge of wilful promotion of hatred. “After investigating the incident, the Hamilton Police Hate Crime Unit applied to lay the charge, and consent was granted by the Deputy Attorney General of Ontario,” said police in a news release.

Field is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday.

Anyone with further information that could help with the investigation is asked to contact detectives at 905-546-5678.

Police are reminding residents that hate crimes can be reported online, by phone, or in person at any Hamilton Police Service station.

“Hate crime in Hamilton is not acceptable. Left unchecked, hate crime can have a far reaching impact on communities,” said Hamilton police.