In Canada, a journalist is arrested for merely asking uncomfortable questions to a Canadian minister
A journalist named David Menzies was arrested in Richmond Hill, a suburb of Toronto, Canada, for posing questions to Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, as reported by local news outlet Rebel News. The incident occurred on January 8, coinciding with the fourth anniversary of the downing of passenger plane PS 752 by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
In a video circulating on social media, Menzies can be seen approaching Freeland, questioning why the IRGC has not been designated a terrorist group. Despite repeated questioning, Freeland does not respond. Security personnel then surround Menzies, informing him that he is under arrest for ‘assault.’ However, the video does not seem to depict Menzies physically assaulting the deputy PM.
A surprised Menzies questions the reason for his arrest as security personnel attempt to take him away. While being led away, Menzies makes references to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, using the term “Blackface” in connection to Trudeau’s previous incidents of wearing blackface at parties.
Pierre Poilievre, a member of the Canadian parliament running for prime minister, expressed outrage, stating, “This is the state of freedom of the press. In Canada. In 2024. After eight years of Trudeau.” He further criticized the situation, connecting it to the arrest and the lack of designation of the IRGC as a terrorist organization.
Menzies, handcuffed, expressed frustration, questioning the priorities of the Canadian government. He emphasized the government’s support for what he referred to as an “Islamo-fascist regime” while arresting journalists for asking questions.
The incident has raised concerns about freedom of the press in Canada, with individuals like Simon Kent, managing editor of Breitbart in London, expressing disbelief at Menzies’ arrest for merely asking questions in a public space. Kent described Menzies as an honest, diligent, and hard-working reporter, questioning the state of Canada under Trudeau’s leadership.
