A former lawyer for the City of Ottawa has been handed a suspended sentence and two years of probation after pleading guilty to vandalizing the National Holocaust Monument last year.
Graffiti Incident and Arrest
Iain Aspenlieder was arrested on June 27, 2025 and faced charges of mischief to a war monument, mischief exceeding $5,000, and harassment by threatening conduct. The charges stemmed from an incident in the early hours of June 9, 2025, when he defaced the solemn memorial in Ottawa with the words "FEED ME" in red paint.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
During a sentencing hearing in December, Crown attorney Moiz Karimjee argued for a two-year sentence with credit for time served, followed by three years of probation. Karimjee told the court that Aspenlieder's actions harmed the Jewish community in Ottawa and across Canada by inappropriately linking them to the Israel-Palestinian conflict. He emphasized that numerous lawful avenues existed for protest, noting that criticizing Israel's actions is not banned.
Defence lawyer Michael Spratt acknowledged his client deserved punishment and a criminal record but contested the Crown's assertion of hate-motivated intent, arguing it was not proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
On Wednesday, Aspenlieder was sentenced to 152 days of time served and was released from custody. The court imposed a suspended sentence and two years of probation.
Community Impact and Aftermath
Late last year, the court heard several victim impact statements from members of the Jewish community. These statements outlined the profound fear, pain, and distress caused by the act of vandalism upon a memorial dedicated to the victims of the Holocaust.
The sentencing concludes a case that drew significant attention to the protection of national monuments and the impact of vandalism on targeted communities.
