Canada: WPF Welcomes Long Overdue Arrest of Mercedes Stephenson's Harasser
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.
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Women Press Freedom stands in unwavering solidarity with Cumpio and demands her immediate release, along with the dismissal of all charges against her.
Journalist Ana Raičković was violently assaulted outside a restaurant in Podgorica by businessman Zoran Bećirović, his son, and a bodyguard. Raičković, a well-known reporter for Pobjedacg, was punched, threatened with being “burned alive” if she didn’t stop her work, and had her head slammed against her car door.
Zahra Abu Sakheil, a Palestinian journalist, was killed alongside her brother and father in an Israeli airstrike while seeking refuge in a school shelter in Gaza City.
We stand in solidarity with Rana Ayyub and call for swift action to hold those responsible accountable, ensuring that this heinous targeting is met with justice.
We call for transparent investigations into the journalist’s cases and ask for her safety to be ensured, so she can continue to report the truth without any fear of retribution.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the recent threats made against journalist Venelina Popova by Mayor Nikolay Tonev of Galabovo.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the recent upholding of the 5-year prison sentence of unjustly imprisoned editor-in-chief Unurtsetseg Naran of the news site Zarig by the Mongolian appeals court.
We demand a transparent explanation from the Bangladeshi interim government for this repressive measure, which silences critical voices and infringes on basic rights.
Women Press Freedom vehemently condemns the arbitrary denial of credentials to several journalists, including political correspondent Tara Palmeri, at former President Donald Trump's election night event in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the alarming escalation of police violence against women journalists in Turkiye. We are particularly appalled by the recent brutal attack on respected journalist Pelşin Çetinkaya, who was detained and tortured while covering public protests against trustee appointments in Batman.
N1 journalist Žaklina Tatalović and cameraman Nikola Popović, were harassed and assaulted while covering protests in Novi Sad over a deadly railway collapse.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the egregious violation of human rights faced by imprisoned journalist and Nobel Laureate Narges Mohammadi.
Women Press Freedom condemns the unacceptable violation of press rights experienced by RTÉ journalist Yvonne Murray during her live broadcast from Georgia ahead of the U.S. elections.
Women Press Freedom condemns the recent court ruling against former Meduza journalist Margarita Liutova, who was fined 5,000 rubles ($50) for participating in the activities of an “undesirable organization.”
Miroslava Simonovska is facing new threats online. This follows a video of the journalist receiving documents, that was filmed without her consent, circulated online and broadcast on national TV.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the recent violation of press rights experienced by Albanian journalists at the Kapshtice border crossing while attempting to cover Prime Minister Edi Rama's rally in Thessaloniki, Greece. The unjust three-hour detention of journalists from Klann and CNN affiliate A2, along with the arbitrary requirement for a special permit for live transmission equipment, represents a troubling infringement on the freedom of the press.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the recent violation of press rights experienced by RTL Lëtzebuerg journalist Annick Goerens while covering the U.S. elections. Goerens' application for press credentials to attend a Republican event hosted by JD Vance was denied without explanation, forcing her to secure a general admission pass instead.
Women Press Freedom condemns the violation that led to the temporary suspension of journalist Cristina Fallarás' Instagram account.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the violent assault on TV Markíza journalist Kristína Kövešová in Trnava while she was investigating violent crimes for her program Reflex.
Politician has reportedly been suspended, but a mere suspension is insufficient. We call for stricter action against him.
Women Press Freedom welcomes the essential hospitalization of Nobel Laureate Narges Mohammadi following nearly nine weeks of denied medical care. This critical step highlights the power of collective action and the unwavering commitment of advocates fighting for justice and human rights.
Damiana Veleva was obstructed by men at a polling station in Dolno Osenovo, facing threats to seize her phone. Diyana Zhelyazkova was threatened by Mayor Ismail Ibryam while reporting on voting violations in Vulnari. Zdravka Maslyankova encountered threats from a candidate's son in Veliko Tarnovo after probing into vote trading.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the targeted attack by Israeli forces on a compound housing 18 journalists, including Yumna Fawaz, in the early morning hours. Fawaz, in a direct statement to Women Press Freedom, noted that the compound had been designated as a safe zone for journalists; however, three journalists were killed in this attack.
Women Press Freedom, unequivocally condemns the killing of women journalists Nadia Al Sayed and Haneen Baroud, as well as their colleagues Saed Radwan, Abdulrahman Al-Tanani, and Hamza Abu Salmiya, due to Israeli airstrikes in Gaza.
We urge the international community to prioritize the safety of these women journalists, advocate for press freedom in Afghanistan and offer urgent support to protect their lives.
WPF welcomes the arrest of a man suspected to be Rodriguez's killer, but we demand that the authorities in the Philippines ensure swift justice for the slain journalist and safety of those working to report the truth. A fair probe and accountability in this case is inevitable.
Political commentator Sonia Dahmani sentenced to an additional 2 years in prison for "spreading false news" regarding remarks she made about racism against sub-Saharan Africans.
Women Press Freedom unequivocally condemns the illegal 48-hour detention and intimidation of CNN chief international correspondent Clarissa Ward and her team while covering the urgent humanitarian crisis in North Darfur by rival militia. They endured threats and lengthy interrogations, with their driver taken away in chains. Held under armed guard, they faced limited access to food, water, and privacy. This distressing incident underscores the escalating dangers journalists encounter in conflict zones and the pressing need to safeguard press freedom.
