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Man in his 60s facing trial for racist graffiti in Richmond

Chao Wang is alleged to have sprayed messages of hate in Cantonese onto a poster of a Black model

A man in his 60s will face trial later this year after allegedly spraying racist graffiti onto a poster in Richmond.

Chao Wang, a Vancouver resident, is faced with the rare charge of promoting hatred and a second allegation of mischief under $5,000, which pertains to the alleged vandalism.

The Richmond News reported almost a year ago how someone was caught on video apparently spraying racist graffiti onto a poster ad featuring a Black model outside an optical retailer behind Aberdeen Centre.

Graffiti called for violence against Black people

The store manager told the News at the time how staff used tape to cover the offensive graffiti - which was written in Cantonese and understood, through translation to advocate violence against Black people.

Sprayed over the image was a swastika and some hateful words, according to police.

Wang, who has represented himself at previous court appearances, had a hearing at Richmond Provincial Court on Tuesday.

He denies the charges, was remanded in custody and is now set to appear back in court for a trial in August.

As well as the racist graffiti allegation, Wang faces a charge involving the throwing of a hunting knife at a bird in Richmond and the assault of an 80-year-old woman in Vancouver.