A former City of Ottawa attorney, who vandalized the National Holocaust Monument with red paint last summer, will not face further imprisonment. Justice Anne London-Weinstein handed down a suspended sentence to 46-year-old Iain Aspenlieder, who had admitted to defacing the memorial in June 2025 with the words “FEED ME.”
Prosecutors had requested a two-year term, while Aspenlieder’s defense sought a suspended sentence considering his time already spent in jail and under strict bail conditions. In an unusual move, Aspenlieder voluntarily returned to custody in December while awaiting the sentencing decision.
London-Weinstein, in her ruling, stated that although she did not believe Aspenlieder acted out of hate, his actions still caused harm. She imposed a five-month sentence for time served, noting that his actions were influenced by his political beliefs regarding the Palestinians.
Aspenlieder’s lawyer, Michael Spratt, praised the judge’s thoughtful and compassionate decision, taking into consideration both the damage caused and Aspenlieder’s personal circumstances. The acting deputy Crown attorney, Moiz Karimjee, declined to comment on the outcome.
During the sentencing phase, Aspenlieder acknowledged the impact of his actions, attributing it to his attempt to draw attention to what he perceived as an ongoing crisis in Gaza. Various Jewish and community groups expressed distress over the vandalism, particularly highlighting a red handprint left at the scene.
London-Weinstein mentioned that Aspenlieder likely left the handprint unknowingly, without understanding its significance. This marked the first sentencing under this specific Criminal Code offense. In addition to the time served, Aspenlieder will be on probation for two years and is required to avoid Jewish or Israeli institutions, refrain from firearm possession, and pay a victim surcharge.
Various groups, including the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, criticized the leniency of the sentence, emphasizing the gravity of Aspenlieder’s actions. The Jewish Federation of Ottawa expressed concern over the incident being politicized rather than recognized as an intentional attack on a sacred Jewish site.
London-Weinstein’s decision was made ahead of International Holocaust Remembrance Day on Jan. 27.