Defence argues evidence too thin in Ottawa neo-Nazi terrorism trial

By Kyle Duggan, The Canadian Press on December 3, 2024.

Armed and masked individuals in combat gear, as shown in this still image taken from video, part of the neo-Nazi group known as the Atomwaffen Division, appear in a video released as evidence in a Superior Court trial. Prosecutors allege an Ottawa man helped create the group's promotional videos in Canada, used as propaganda and recruitment tools by the listed terror entity. THE CANADIAN PRESS

OTTAWA – Defence lawyers for an Ottawa graphic designer facing terror charges over his alleged involvement with the neo-Nazi group Atomwaffen Division say the evidence against their client is flimsy.

Closing arguments are wrapping up in the trial of Patrick Macdonald, who pleaded not guilty to three charges of terrorism and hate speech.

Crown prosecutors allege he helped make three recruitment videos for the listed terrorist entity and other hate propaganda.

But his defence team argues the Crown can’t prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the camera equipment police seized from his home was used to produce those key videos.

Crown prosecutors have argued that the camera equipment can tie him to producing the videos through metadata logs, along with his phone and bank records and other seized items.

The defence argues the evidence is not strong enough to link him to participating in the filming of scenes or appearing at the locations they were made.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 3. 2024.