Canada: Rachel Gilmore Faces Escalating Harassment Amid Continued Attacks on Women Journalists
November 29, 2024 - Canada
On November 29, 2024, journalist Rachel Gilmore was publicly harassed for her reporting when an individual demanded she reveal her sources. The interaction was filmed and shared online, escalating the harassment. This request to disclose confidential sources is a clear violation of journalistic ethics, endangering both her safety and the integrity of her work.
This incident is part of a broader pattern of harassment and threats Gilmore has endured throughout her career, particularly for her coverage of politically sensitive issues. In 2022, Gilmore faced a coordinated online trolling campaign after Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre labeled her "unprofessional."
Gilmore’s experience is part of a troubling trend of harassment and abuse targeting women journalists in Canada, particularly women of color.
On October 8, 2024, journalist Samira Mohyeddin’s Toronto restaurant, Banu, was vandalized after months of online harassment linked to her reporting on Palestinians’ suffering under Israeli bombardment. Surveillance footage shows an intruder breaking in and ransacking the restaurant, stealing items and causing damage. Mohyeddin believes the attack is connected to her journalism
Far-right groups have used social media platforms to incite hatred, emboldening their followers to harass journalists. This hostile environment has become increasingly dangerous, spilling over from online harassment to real-life threats, including the risk of physical violence.
Women Press Freedom has strongly condemned these attacks, but the lack of effective responses from law enforcement and social media companies has allowed this cycle of abuse to continue. This systemic failure not only puts journalists’ safety at risk but also undermines public trust in the media and threatens the democratic principle of a free press.
We stand in solidarity with Rachel Gilmore and all journalists facing harassment for doing their jobs. We condemn the use of online violence and intimidation to silence women journalists, especially those challenging dominant narratives. We demand immediate action from Canadian authorities to address this growing crisis, including thorough investigations into the organized troll campaigns targeting journalists.
WPF strongly condemns Russia for the killing of Ukrainian journalist Tetyana Kulyk in a drone strike. She is the 10th woman journalist murdered by Russia since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years ago.
WPF condemns the arrest of journalist Elif Akgül. Criminalizing journalism under the guise of security concerns is an attack on press freedom.
WPF is deeply concerned about the disappearance of British journalist Charlotte Peet. The freelance correspondent, who has reported for Al Jazeera and The Times, went missing after arriving in São Paulo.
WPF condemns the violent attack on journalist María Fernanda Martínez by supporters of the Libre party in Honduras.
WPF denounces police officers for unjust detentions of journalists and excessive use of force. We demand accountability from authorities.
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Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the detention of Halk TV journalist Seda Selek.
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Medya Haber journalist Eylem Babayiğit detained after a raid on her home in Istanbul.
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WPF celebrates the release of Palestinian journalists Bushra Al-Taweel and Rula Hassanein as part of the first phase of the Hamas-Israel ceasefire deal.
Palestinian Authority security forces detain Al-Jazeera journalist Givara Budeiri and her cameraperson while reporting live outside Israel’s Ofer prison.
Women Press Freedom welcomes the decision of Paris' anti-terrorism judges not to indict Disclose journalist Ariane Lavrilleux.
Ministry of Internal Affairs issue an arrest warrant for exiled journalist Alesya Marokhovskaya, chief editor of the independent investigative outlet IStories
Russian drone targets journalist Margarita Potapova and her Ukrainian Witness film crew near Zaporizhzhia.
Voice of America reporter Ulviyya Ali has been banned from travel after police interrogation over the MeydanTV case—despite having no ties to the outlet.
WPF strongly condemns the legal harassment of journalist Anna Nini and Press Project publisher Konstantinos Poulis for their coverage of a high-profile trial in Greece.
Israeli airstrike kills journalist and photographer Ahlam Al Nafed while she was walking to Al Shifa Hospital on January 14, 2025.
