October 13, 2024 - Canada, Ottawa

Women Press Freedom is pleased to share positive news from Ottawa, where police have finally arrested the man harassing Mercedes Stephenson, political journalist and Ottawa bureau chief for Global News.

Stephenson - who faced concentrated online threats in 2022 -  experienced ongoing targeting despite taking legal action against her harasser. Although the man was convicted and served time for sending her graphic sexual messages, his sentence did not adequately reflect the severity of his actions. After his release, he reoffended while on probation in February 2024.

On March 20, 2024, Stephenson revealed on social media that the man had emailed her, stating he planned to “spend time with me in a hotel.” This violation of his probation heightened her fears for her safety. Despite multiple police complaints and outstanding warrants for his arrest, he was not apprehended until October 13, after committing additional offenses.

While the journalist welcomes the arrest, she feels it does not equate to true justice. She says there are systemic issues within the justice system, particularly regarding its treatment of repeat offenders who target women. Stephenson expressed concern for the challenges faced by victims, especially among new Canadians, racialized women, and those escaping dangerous situations.

Women Press Freedom applauds the issuance of the Feeney warrant, which enabled police to arrest Stephenson’s abuser. Although this process took too long, the actions of the Ottawa police serve as an important example of how law enforcement in Canada can and should protect journalists.