The Freedom Report’s Kevin Johnston has been charged with a hate-motivated crime against the Muslim community by Peel Regional Police.

Johnston, 45 of Mississauga, who runs the far-right freedomreport.ca, was arrested and charged with one count of wilful promotion of hatred after a five-month long investigation.

“We had received a number of complaints regarding some messaging on various social media sites promoting hatred,” said Peel Regional Police Sgt. Josh Colley.

“(For) the charge that we’re taking about — wilful promotion of hatred — we must receive consent from the attorney general’s office before we lay it and so after receiving consent ... we arrested and charged Mr. Johnston.”

Colley refused to reveal specifics about alleged postings “in order to protect the integrity of the investigation.”

But, according to media reports, Johnston allegedly posted a YouTube video earlier this year offering a $1,000 reward for recordings of Muslim students praying in Peel Region schools.

Ontario Attorney General Yasir Naqvi wouldn’t address this specific case but did release a general statement about hate crimes.

“In a multicultural and inclusive province like Ontario, the promotion of hatred stands in direct opposition to our fundamental values of equality and diversity,” said Naqvi. “Hate divides people and communities.”