Toronto’s police department used force to protect white supremacist and other hate groups as they marched in downtown Toronto. The event occured on Saturday, September 8th and was organized by PEGIDA.

PEGIDA is a far-right anti-Islam, xenophobic group who have been called “Nazis in pinstripes”.

PEGIDA was joined by far-right white supremacy groups, including Soldiers of Odin, Proud Boys and III%ers. Each of these groups has a history of violence, xenophobia and white nationalism.

Photo evidence of police protecting these hate groups was captured by reporters and rally participants.

THREAD: Toronto police used force to permit an islamophobic and anti-immigrant demonstration run by PEGIDA, allied with well-known white supremacy orgs like Proud Boys, Soldiers of Odin and III%ers

From University x Armoury to old city hall . #topoli #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/nzyUrf2HgH — Ali Javeed (@alijaveed_) September 8, 2018

2:50pm. Officers form three layers of defence in a ‘wedge formation’.

First with batons and protective gloves, second with bikes, and a third to arrest. (2) Officer Barredo does the final check before giving the go-ahead #topoli #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/MOPvQzuKb0 — Ali Javeed (@alijaveed_) September 8, 2018

2:53pm they begin moving forward. Antifa links arms and is told physically and verbally by police to move out of the way. PEGIDA’s march continues forward slowly, escorted by the police. #topoli #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/BedpLw3MHx — Ali Javeed (@alijaveed_) September 8, 2018

It is unclear why the police were protecting these groups. We will update this story when we learn more.