Ottawa protester who used squeaky toy found guilty of causing disturbance
Deana Sherif was a regular attendee of protests around the city before her arrest last August
A woman known in Ottawa for her frequent presence at protests has been found guilty of causing a disturbance and breaching bail conditions, but acquitted of resisting arrest over a confrontation involving a squeaky dog toy.
Deana Sherif was arrested in Confederation Park in August 2024 after repeatedly squeezing a watermelon-shaped squeaky toy during a counter-protest.
The incident, including her interactions with police and other demonstrators, was streamed live on social media and a video was later used as evidence in court.
Sherif, a frequent presence during and after the convoy protest that took over downtown Ottawa in early 2022, became known for engaging convoy supporters in heated exchanges, often while livestreaming from Wellington Street and nearby areas. She also regularly attends demonstrations related to the war in Gaza.
In April 2024, Sherif was arrested and charged with eight offences including obstructing a police officer, two counts of assault with a weapon, possession of a weapon dangerous to the public, intimidation and two counts of hate-motivated harassment.
She was out on bail for those charges — under conditions prohibiting the use of sound devices — when she was arrested again in August.
Video ends with arrest
In the 22-minute self-recorded video presented at her trial, Sherif repeatedly insults demonstrators gathered in Confederation Park, calling them "Nazis" and "pieces of shit," among other insults. She can also be heard repeatedly squeezing the squeaky toy in the presence of both demonstrators and police.
The video ends when three Ottawa police officers arrest Sherif.
Sherif remained in custody for nine months and 14 days before being released earlier this year. During her sentencing, a judge described her conduct as "insulting, obscene, persistent" and "intimidating."
Sherif is currently under bail conditions prohibiting her from contacting certain individuals, attending protests or visiting specific locations. She is scheduled to be sentenced July 24.
Her trial for the original eight charges is set for January.
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