Canada: Savanna Craig Cleared of Charges, But Police’s Continued Targeting of Journalists Raises Concerns
October 2, 2024 - Canada, Montreal
After seven months, the baseless charges against Montreal journalist Savanna Craig have finally been dropped. While we at Women Press Freedom are relieved, it’s unacceptable she ever faced "mischief" charges simply for reporting on a pro-Palestine sit-in.
Craig tells WPF that she was informed by her arresting officer on October 2, 2024 that the prosecution will not proceed with the case against her.
"I am pleased to hear the charges have been dropped,” Craig says. “However, this is only a partial win as my case highlights a growing trend of officers targeting and silencing journalists in Canada. The dropping of my charges doesn’t represent an actual correction for police abuse of power, it only shows that the charges against me were baseless.”
Craig is the second woman journalist arrested while reporting in Canada in 2024 - the other being Indigenous journalist Brandi Morin. A shameful record for a country that purports to respect and promote press freedom.
“Unless more is done I worry journalists in Canada will continue to be arrested and charged for simply doing their job and trying to get the truth out. Journalism is not a crime,” the CUTV journalist adds.
The targeting of journalists, especially those covering protests, must stop. Women Press Freedom’s policy recommendations outline the steps Canadian authorities must take to protect the press. Read our recommendations here.
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