Canada: Rachel Gilmore Faces Escalating Harassment Amid Continued Attacks on Women Journalists
November 29, 2024 - Canada
On November 29, 2024, journalist Rachel Gilmore was publicly harassed for her reporting when an individual demanded she reveal her sources. The interaction was filmed and shared online, escalating the harassment. This request to disclose confidential sources is a clear violation of journalistic ethics, endangering both her safety and the integrity of her work.
This incident is part of a broader pattern of harassment and threats Gilmore has endured throughout her career, particularly for her coverage of politically sensitive issues. In 2022, Gilmore faced a coordinated online trolling campaign after Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre labeled her "unprofessional."
Gilmore’s experience is part of a troubling trend of harassment and abuse targeting women journalists in Canada, particularly women of color.
On October 8, 2024, journalist Samira Mohyeddin’s Toronto restaurant, Banu, was vandalized after months of online harassment linked to her reporting on Palestinians’ suffering under Israeli bombardment. Surveillance footage shows an intruder breaking in and ransacking the restaurant, stealing items and causing damage. Mohyeddin believes the attack is connected to her journalism
Far-right groups have used social media platforms to incite hatred, emboldening their followers to harass journalists. This hostile environment has become increasingly dangerous, spilling over from online harassment to real-life threats, including the risk of physical violence.
Women Press Freedom has strongly condemned these attacks, but the lack of effective responses from law enforcement and social media companies has allowed this cycle of abuse to continue. This systemic failure not only puts journalists’ safety at risk but also undermines public trust in the media and threatens the democratic principle of a free press.
We stand in solidarity with Rachel Gilmore and all journalists facing harassment for doing their jobs. We condemn the use of online violence and intimidation to silence women journalists, especially those challenging dominant narratives. We demand immediate action from Canadian authorities to address this growing crisis, including thorough investigations into the organized troll campaigns targeting journalists.
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