In a stark Toronto courtroom, the consequences of online hate speech took a tangible form as federal prosecutors argued for a severe prison sentence for a convicted neo-Nazi leader. The case underscores a chilling reality: virulent antisemitic rhetoric can and does incite real-world violence.
Crown Demands Decade Behind Bars Before Parole
Federal prosecutors have urged a sentencing judge to impose a 20-year prison term on Matthew Althorpe, with no chance of parole for the first 10 years. This recommendation follows Althorpe's guilty plea to three terrorism-related offences, including wilfully promoting hatred against Jewish people and other minority groups.
Crown attorney Amber Pashuk argued forcefully against a lighter sentence, stating that 12 to 14 years "is simply not in the range of a leader of a terrorist group." She emphasized that had Althorpe been convicted after a trial, the Crown would have sought a life sentence.
Not a 'Keyboard Warrior,' But a Terror Leader
Prosecutors rejected any notion that Althorpe was merely an online provocateur. "This court should not understand Mr. Althorpe’s role as one of a keyboard warrior or a basement-dwelling online, misguided activist," Pashuk told Superior Court Justice Jane Kelly.
Instead, she painted a picture of a dedicated extremist. Althorpe's involvement spanned years and two terrorist groups, where he produced specific guidance on manufacturing bombs, attacking people and infrastructure, and distributed his materials to thousands online. The Crown directly connected his publications to acts of real-world violence.
During his guilty plea in October, the court was shown three shocking neo-Nazi recruitment videos Althorpe produced for the Atomwaffen Division (AWD). These videos called on recruits to join a race war and inflict "uncompromising, merciless violence" on enemies.
Manifestos Linked to Deadly Attacks Worldwide
Althorpe, 30, was also instrumental in creating three manifestos published on the Terrorgram network—a collection of Telegram channels recently added to Canada’s official list of terrorist entities. These writings promoted "military accelerationism," a strategy aimed at provoking a race war to establish a white ethnostate.
According to an agreed statement of facts, Althorpe's manifestos called for violence against Jews and other minorities and provided detailed instructions for bombing infrastructure. Disturbingly, these documents were cited in at least six terror attacks or plots globally, including:
- A 2022 attack on an LGBTQ bar in Bratislava, Slovakia, that killed two people.
- A school shooting in Brazil that resulted in four deaths.
"Pray for terror," Althorpe instructed his followers. "Hatred will set our race free."
Shadow of Global Antisemitism Over the Proceedings
While not mentioned directly in court, the shadow of recent antisemitic violence hung over the hearing. The Crown's submissions referenced the murders of 15 innocent Jewish people, including a 10-year-old girl named Matilda, on Australia's Bondi Beach—a stark reminder of where such hatred can lead.
Victim impact statements delivered by leaders of Jewish, Muslim, and Black communities detailed how Althorpe's actions terrorized their members. Rochelle Direnfeld of the Alliance of Canadians Combating Antisemitism noted his crimes provided "yet another stark reminder that neo-Nazi, white supremacist antisemitism is alive and well in Canada."
She highlighted the "tsunami" of antisemitism in Canada since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel, adding that the RCMP has foiled six terror plots in the last year alone.
Questions of Remorse and a Dangerous Ideology
Althorpe, who appeared in court with family members, has told a forensic psychiatrist he was a "fanatic" but now feels remorse. However, Dr. Alina Iosif's assessment casts doubt on this transformation. She reported that Althorpe admitted he hasn't completely left that "head space," confessing, "sometimes I wake up at night and I am the same racist guy … I have to show remorse for court but transparency for you."
The Crown warned the judge not to be fooled by any professions of regret, pointing to the psychiatrist's disturbing conclusion: "The racist militant accelerationist likely lies not far beneath the surface."
The sentencing hearing for Matthew Althorpe is scheduled to resume in January, when defence lawyers will present their submissions. The court's final decision will send a powerful message about Canada's tolerance for hate-fuelled terrorism.
