The criminal charges laid against Montreal-based author, activist, and Mondoweiss contributor Yves Engler for responding to a pro-Israel influencer’s social media posts should concern anyone who values freedom of expression and the rule of law.
The criminal charges laid against Montreal-based author and activist Yves Engler should concern anyone who values freedom of expression and the rule of law in Canada. Engler, known for his outspoken critiques of Canadian foreign policy and Israel’s actions in Gaza, has been charged with harassment and indecent communication for responding to the social media posts of pro-Israel influencer Dahlia Kurtz. Disturbingly, he now faces additional charges merely for writing about his own case.
This case raises fundamental questions about the criminalization of political speech, the use of law enforcement to silence dissent, and whether Canada is sliding into a pattern of repression that weaponizes the justice system against pro-Palestinian voices.
On February 21, Engler turned himself in to Montreal police after being informed that he was being charged with harassment for publicly responding to Kurtz’s posts on X (formerly Twitter). Kurtz, a media personality known for inflammatory rhetoric, claimed Engler’s responses made her feel unsafe, despite the fact that she had never blocked him—a basic feature on X designed to prevent unwanted interactions.
Engler has made it clear that he never directly contacted Kurtz, nor sent her private messages, nor followed her on X. “I’ve never met Kurtz. Nor have I messaged or emailed her. Nor have I threatened her. I don’t even follow her on X,” he stated. His comments were public, critical of her pro-Israel stance, and—while pointed—fell squarely within the domain of protected political speech.
His arrest and charges raise serious concerns about the misuse of the criminal justice system to stifle legitimate criticism of state and media narratives. That Kurtz is reportedly represented by a law firm linked to Conservative Party candidate Neil Oberman—who has been involved in multiple lawsuits against critics of Israel—further underscores the political nature of this case. (more...)
Silencing Dissent: The arrest of Yves Engler and the criminalization of political speech in Canada
No comments:
Post a Comment