The trial of two men charged with using their free newspaper to promote hatred against Jews and women is underway in Toronto.

Both James Sears and Leroy St. Germaine pleaded not guilty.

In an opening statement, the prosecution said "Your Ward News" has a circulation of more than 300,000.

The paper, the Crown lawyer said, is filled with "vile and degrading" words and imagery.

Examples include repeated claims of a worldwide blood-thirsty Jewish banking conspiracy and promotion of the legalization of rape.

The Crown is calling two expert witnesses on anti-Semitism and hate promotion.

The government recently barred Canada Post from distributing Your Ward News.