The widespread hate campaign against journalists of color escalated on Monday with two more women journalists receiving threatening and abusive emails. At least 17 journalists were targeted after right-wing politician Maxime Bernier tweeted a provocative message inciting his supporters. Freelance sports journalist Shireen Ahmed and CBC host Angela Sterritt were the latest targets of the ongoing hate campaign, weaponized racist and misogynistic language to threaten, intimidate and silence journalists of color. Maxime’s tweet has since been deleted but the organised campaign against journalists has continued unabated, with many of the vile emails sent from the same email account.

At least 18 journalists received vile emails after right-wing politician Maxime Bernier tweeted a provocative message to his followers. Displeased by their coverage of his work, and their line of inquiry, Bernier encouraged his supporters to “play dirty”, thus initiating a violent targeted harassment campaign. He even went so far as to publish the email addresses of some of the journalists online, making them vulnerable to online abuse. Although later taken down by Twitter, the journalists faced hostile digital attacks as a result of his tweets.

Journalist Saba Eitizaz received misogynist, racist and threatening emails as part of a malicious campaign launched against women journalists and women in colour.

At least eight women journalists received vile emails after right-wing politician Maxime Bernier tweeted a provocative message to his followers. Displeased by their coverage of his work, and their line of inquiry, Bernier encouraged his supporters to “play dirty”, thus initiating a violent targeted harassment campaign. He even went so far as to publish the email addresses of some of the journalists online, making them vulnerable to online abuse. Although later taken down by Twitter, the journalists faced hostile digital attacks as a result of his tweets.

Journalist Sandi Bachom was targeted with hate speech after sharing her criticism about the anti-Covid-19 vaccination on social media. An anti-vaccine supporter sent her a hateful email questioning her profession and insulted the journalist with misogynistic messages. The Coalition For Women In Journalism (CFWIJ) is utterly dismayed by the hate speech against Sandi. We stand in solidarity with Sandi on this matter and demand a prudent approach to journalists working in perverse conditions during the pandemic.