“We categorically condemn anyone who in any way intimidates and harasses journalists working in defence of the truth.” — Chrystia Freeland on May 3, 2018
The assault of David Menzies at the hands of a member of an RCMP security detail as Mr. Menzies was asking questions to an elected official has a few lessons for citizens of a liberal democracy.
Mr. Menzies, a journalist with Rebel News, was assaulted, detained, and falsely arrested while he attempted to get answers from Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Mr. Menzies asked why the federal government stubbornly refuses to list Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps among terrorist organizations.
Mr. Menzies’ question was perfectly appropriate, considering that at the time Ms. Freeland was entering a memorial for victims of Flight PS752—the Ukrainian International Airlines jetliner shut down by the Iranian military in January 2020.