Police released this photo Sept. 15, 2025, of a suspect in the spray-painting of antisemitic graffiti at three locations in Halifax. Two men were subsequently arrested and charged. Photo by Halifax Regional PoliceArticle contentTwo Halifax men accused of spray-painting antisemitic graffiti at three locations in the city last September have pleaded not guilty to all charges from the incidents.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentGezim Topalli, 32, and Russell Jared Currie, 33, both face three counts of mischief related to religious property, three counts of property mischief, and one count of public incitement of hatred.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentTheir lawyers entered not-guilty pleas on their behalf Thursday in Halifax provincial court.Article contentCrown attorney Eric Taylor, who is prosecuting the case with Bryson McDonald, told the court that as many seven days will be needed for the trial.Article contentJudge Alonzo Wright directed the lawyers to appear in a different courtroom Sept. 2 to set trial dates.Article contentOn Sept. 14, 2025, police responded to reports of antisemitic graffiti throughout Halifax. The graffiti was written on two synagogues, a private residence related to a Jewish organization, and on nearby sidewalks.Article contentTopalli was arrested Sept. 16 after police released a photo of a suspect that was taken from surveillance video. Currie was picked up by police Oct. 7.Article contentBoth men are free on bail, although Topalli spent a weekend in custody at the end of May after allegedly breaching his release conditions by being in south-end Halifax.Article content Gezim Topalli is one of two men accused of spray-painting antisemitic graffiti in Halifax in September 2025. Photo by File photoArticle contentPsychiatric assessments were ordered for both men in June at the request of their lawyers, who said there were indications their clients were suffering from mental disorders at the time of the incidents that could have rendered them not criminally responsible for their alleged actions.Article contentArticle contentThe psychiatric reports were delivered to the court last month. Doctors found no psychiatric issues that could have made Topalli and Currie not criminally responsible for the offences.Article contentArticle contentThe case was adjourned in July so defence lawyers Kristyn Stevens, who represents Topalli, and Aodhan Murphy could discuss the results of the assessments with their clients and take further instructions.Article contentTopalli is on house arrest while he’s on bail. Currie, meanwhile, is subject to a 9 p.m.-7 a.m. curfew and electronic monitoring.Article contentThe men must remain in Nova Scotia and stay away from a large section of south-end Halifax, bounded by Quinpool Road, the North West Arm, Point Pleasant Park and Robie Street.Article contentThey are prohibited from possessing any weapons or materials used to create graffiti and cannot have any contact with each other or nine potential Crown witnesses.Article content
Pair plead not guilty to all charges in Halifax antisemitism case
