Canada: WPF Demands Strong Police Action as Samira Mohyeddin Faces Intimidation, Threats Over Gaza Coverage
October 8, 2024 - Canada, Toronto
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the threats and attacks targeting journalist Samira Mohyeddin. Shortly after the one year anniversary of Hamas’ assault on Israel and outbreak of war in Gaza, the journalist’s restaurant in Toronto was vandalized. This was preceded by online threats and harassment following her coverage of the plight of Palestinians under Israeli bombardment in Gaza.
We stand in full solidarity with Mohyeddin and call for immediate police action to ensure the safety of journalists facing such escalating threats. Toronto authorities and the hate crime unit must not only investigate but also address the broader, troubling pattern of intimidation tactics directed at journalists and others covering the war in Gaza. Protecting journalists from targeted harassment is essential to upholding press freedom and public discourse.
Property Vandalized
On October 8, Banu, a Persian restaurant co-owned by Mohyeddin, was violently broken into and vandalized. Surveillance footage captures a masked intruder smashing reinforced glass with a hammer before ransacking the premises. Items such as an iPod and an iPhone were stolen, while tables and decorations were overturned. Mohyeddin, outspoken on Gaza issues, believes the attack may be connected to her reporting. The Toronto Police are investigating, and the hate crime unit is aware, but no statement has been made on the attack’s motivation.
Mohyeddin’s restaurant Banu in Toronto after October 8 attack
Escalating Online Harassment
Mohyeddin has faced mounting hostility due to her Gaza reporting. In an Instagram exchange, Carleton MPP Goldie Ghamari referenced Banu, and Mohyeddin received veiled threats of “visits” to the establishment. Ghamari later condemned the break-in but remains controversial for her connections to far-right figures. Mohyeddin reports numerous threats of violence, pushing her to minimize her association with Banu online to avoid further retaliation. These threats underscore the risks for journalists who openly address politically sensitive issues.
The attack on Banu is a terrifying reminder of the heightened dangers facing journalists engaged in critical reporting on sensitive topics.
Women Press Freedom calls on Toronto authorities to conduct a transparent, thorough investigation and urges the hate crime unit to address this as a case of journalist intimidation.