City issued $12,500 worth of tickets at protests in 2023-24
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 06, 2026
Palestine and trans rights advocates to provide major update in megaphone tickets case
Palestine and trans rights advocates to provide major update in megaphone tickets case
WHAT: PRESS CONFERENCE
WHEN: 9am, Tuesday September 23
WHERE: Provincial Offences Court, 100 Constellation Drive
Ottawa, 22 September 2025 - Tomorrow, residents ticketed for using megaphones and speakers to denounce Israel's genocide in Palestine and to defend trans youth will share an important update on their case at a press conference with community organizations and RavenLaw LLP, the firm representing those ticketed.
"From the beginning, we have been clear," said Amarkai Laryea of RavenLaw LLP. "The application of the Noise By-Law and the tickets that were issued during these demonstrations were unconstitutional. Preventing the use of devices like megaphones for these demonstrations is a violation of section 2 Charter rights, which guarantee freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association. These are core fundamental rights in any democratic society."
"For close to two years, the prosecution has insisted on pursuing these fines and wasting the City’s resources. Megaphones and speakers are regular tools for protests: these tickets should never have been issued," said Meisan of Palestinian Youth Movement - Ottawa.
“This ticketing was a deliberate act to silence and intimidate all of us,” said Hakima Moktary, who received four tickets and was also harassed by a By-law agent at her home. "It is part of the repressive arsenal that those complicit in the genocide employ here in Ottawa."
“We are more determined than ever to continue raising our voices in defence of trans communities and to advocate for an end to Israel’s genocide,” said Emily Quaile, who was ticketed at a rally in defense of trans rights in February 2024.
The defendants are optimistic that they will win their case, which would also constitute a blow to the increasing and significant threats to democratic rights in Canada, including proposed so-called "bubble” by-laws in Ottawa and at the federal level. The official Factum (statement of facts) filed with the court for this case can be viewed here.
-30-
Media Contacts:
RavenLaw LLP
Rohoma Zakir
613-567-2903
Community Solidarity Ottawa
Emily Quaile
Latest posts
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 11, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
