In a significant legal decision that underscores the urgent need to combat antisemitism online, a North Bay, Ontario man has been sentenced to nine months in jail after being found guilty of hate crimes for publishing antisemitic content on social media.
The man, 57-year-old Brian Barker, had posted a series of deeply antisemitic, hate-filled messages on Facebook between 2021 and 2022. These included Holocaust denial, glorifying Nazism, and inciting violence against Jewish people. According to the ruling, his posts weren’t just offensive—they were criminal.
The court’s decision marks an important milestone: it reinforces that online platforms are not a free pass for hate speech, and that the digital world must abide by the same standards of dignity, safety, and justice as the real world.
Crown Attorney Rob Parsons noted that Barker’s messages promoted “violence and extermination of Jews” and were “deliberately and repeatedly expressed.” The judge emphasized that freedom of speech does not extend to speech that incites hatred against an identifiable group.
This ruling reflects what FOA has been fighting for: concrete action against digital antisemitism. We know that antisemitism online is not harmless. It fuels real-world violence, spreads dangerous conspiracy theories, and creates toxic environments for Jewish users across platforms.
🔍 Why This Matters:
Legal accountability for online antisemitism is rare—but crucial. This case sets a precedent in Canada for treating digital hate as a serious crime. It sends a clear message: posting hate has consequences.This case validates our mission and the tireless efforts of our global volunteers who report and track online antisemitism every day.
This victory is a reminder that your voice, your reports, and your advocacy matter.