Ontario Review Board
Re: Syed Ali Hosseini
ORB File No: 8973
Hearing held on: Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Place of Hearing: St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, West 5th Campus
Pursuant to: Section 672.47 (1) of the Criminal Code
Before:
Alternate Chairperson: Ms. C. Finley
Members: Dr. A. Iosif (by Zoom videoconference) Dr. M. Kalia Mr. E. Siebenmorgen Ms. K. McMillan
Parties Appearing:
Accused: Syed Ali Hosseini (self-represented)
Amicus Curiae: Mr. A. Confente
The person in charge of hospital: Counsel: Ms. L. Barney
Attorney General of Ontario: Counsel: Ms. J. McKenzie
REASONS FOR DISPOSITION (Dated June 11, 2026)
Introduction
[1]. On March 12, 2026, Mr. Syed Hosseini was found not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder (“NCR”) in the Ontario Court of Justice on charges of criminal harassment and sending an indecent communication, both contrary to the Criminal Code. The Court did not make a Disposition but referred that matter to the Ontario Review Board (“ORB” or “Board”). Mr. Hosseini had been released on an Undertaking pending his court proceedings and continued to reside in the community. On April 22, 2026, the Board ordered an outpatient assessment of Mr. Hosseini’s mental condition for the purpose of his initial disposition hearing.
[2]. On Tuesday, May 19, 2026, a panel of the Board convened in person at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, West 5th Campus (“SJHH” or “the Hospital”) to hold Mr. Hosseini’s disposition hearing as required pursuant to s. 672.47 (1) of the Criminal Code, and to determine: (i) whether Mr. Hosseini represented a significant threat to the safety of the public as defined by s. 672.5401 of the Code and, if so, (ii) the necessary and appropriate Disposition that is also the least onerous and least restrictive, having regard to the evidence assessed against the factors in s. 672.54 of the Code. Mr. Hosseini was present and represented himself at the hearing. His mother also attended. Mr. A. Confente assisted as amicus curiae.
[3]. The documentary evidence for the hearing consisted of the Record for the hearing, a Risk Assessment Report (the “Assessment Report”) dated May 12, 2026 (Exhibit 1) and a Victim Impact Statement dated April 29, 2026 (Exhibit 2). In addition, Dr. L.O. Tan, a co-author of the Assessment Report, gave oral evidence.
Positions of the Parties
[4]. The parties