The former City of Ottawa lawyer who pleaded guilty to defacing the National Holocaust Monument has been given a suspended sentence and will serve no additional jail time.
Iain Aspenlieder pleaded guilty in July to a charge of mischief to a war memorial in connection with the vandalism.
On Wednesday, Superior Court Justice Anne London-Weinstein sentenced Aspenlieder to 152 days of time-served, roughly 5 months of custody. The Crown had been seeking a two-year jail sentence.
“I found that he thought things through and while not motivated by hate, acted despite knowing his actions would jeopardize the security of the Jewish community,” London-Weinstein told the court.
Aspenlieder will be on probation for 24 months with conditions, including that he not possess any weapons or attend the National Holocaust Monument or any Jewish institution or place of worship. He’ll also have to submit his DNA.
“We are deeply disappointed that today’s sentence, delivered just three weeks before International Holocaust Remembrance Day, does not reflect the gravity of what is indeed a hateful act and its impact on the Jewish community, not only in Ottawa but across Canada,” said Richard Marceau with the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs.
“The National Holocaust Monument stands as a solemn reminder of the consequences of unchecked hatred. Holding perpetrators accountable is essential to protecting the dignity of victims and safeguarding the values that unite us as Canadians.”
The words “feed me” were painted on the side of the memorial west of downtown Ottawa on June 9. The paint was quickly removed, but the act prompted widespread condemnation from residents, Jewish groups, and political leaders.
