Craig’s arrest underscores systemic detentions and arrests of journalists, particularly those covering contentious issues like Indigenous rights and Israel-Gaza demonstrations

Location: Canada, Montreal

Date: June 15, 2024

In her compelling op-ed for Al Jazeera, Canadian reporter and writer Savanna Craig sheds light on the alarming pattern of police intimidation against journalists in Canada, set against the backdrop of Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza. 

On April 15, while covering a pro-Palestine protest in Montreal, Craig was arrested despite repeatedly identifying herself as a journalist and displaying her press pass. The protest, organized against Canadian investments in Israeli defense company Elbit Systems, was a significant event amidst the recent escalation of violence in Gaza.

Despite her clear identification as a journalist, she was detained alongside 44 activists, processed inside the bank, and held for hours before being released. Now, she faces criminal charges, including mischief, which carry a maximum jail sentence of two years and a fine of up to 5,000 Canadian dollars ($3,600).

Women Press Freedom has extensively documented Craig’s case. Her arrest, alongside that of other journalists like Brandi Morin, who was detained while covering an Indigenous-led sit-in in Alberta, underscores a systemic issue where law enforcement targets media workers, particularly those from smaller outlets or those covering contentious issues like Indigenous rights and Israel-Gaza demonstrations.

Craig’s op-ed also emphasizes the critical role of journalists in ensuring public awareness and accountability, particularly during conflicts like the one in Gaza. Her arrest not only threatens press freedom but also risks silencing crucial voices that bring attention to human rights abuses and political injustices. Women Press Freedom urges immediate action to protect journalists and uphold the principles of free speech and press freedom.

Read Savanna Craig’s full op-ed here.

Explore Women Press Freedom’s extensive documentation and advocacy efforts to learn more about the challenges faced by journalists worldwide and the urgent need for stronger protections.

Savanna Craig is a Canadian reporter, writer, and video journalist covering social movements, policing, and Western imperialism in the Middle East.