OTTAWA — The Independent Press Gallery of Canada (IPG) strongly condemns the lack of action by the Ottawa Police Service as independent journalists Alexa Lavoie (Rebel News), Chris Dacey (Dacey Media), and Caryma Sa’d were harassed, surrounded, and intimidated by a pro-Hamas mob during a demonstration on the first night of Passover.
The demonstration—planned for days in advance—glorified Hamas, an outlawed terrorist organization. Despite the obvious potential for unrest, Ottawa Police failed to provide adequate security or intervene when journalists were aggressively targeted by the crowd. Video evidence shows police officers standing by while reporters were shoved, shouted at, and obstructed from doing their jobs.
This lack of action placed journalists in danger and sent a message: if you’re not towing the establishment line, don’t expect protection.
The contrast with police conduct during the 2022 Freedom Convoy is stark. During that peaceful protest, police brought in riot gear, horses, and tear gas. Alexa Lavoie was shot with a riot control device while reporting. Three years later, in Ottawa she’s targeted again—this time by a mob chanting in support of a terror group—and police look the other way.
The IPG calls for immediate accountability from Ottawa Police and urges elected officials to condemn this brazen intimidation and the dangerous double standard. A free press cannot exist when its safety depends on the political preferences of the mob—or the police.
Sheila Gunn Reid
President, Independent Press Gallery of Canada