Canada: Journalist Kariane Bourassa was assaulted while following anti-mask protests

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July 30, 2020 -- TVA journalist Kariane Bourassa was covering an anti-mask demonstration when she was physically harassed and intimidated by two men in Quebec on July 26. They interrupted her live broadcast and resorted to hugging while she was reporting in the field. Protesters neither wore masks nor did they care about social distancing protocols during the demonstration.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism condemns the harassment Kariane was subjected to in Canada. We expect better from a country that believes in press freedom and protecting its journalists. We call on the authorities to sanction the behaviour of protesters who put Kariane’s safety at risk and touched her without consent.

It is evident that the incident has left Kariane disturbed as she shared her ordeal in a tweet.

“An unwanted ‘hug’ is no less worse than an insult or threats,” she wrote onTwitter.

Kariane added that women journalists “shouldn’t have to do their jobs by constantly looking over their shoulders to see if someone is going to enter ‘their bubble.’”

The channel she works for also released a statement to condemn the uncalled for act by a couple of anti-mask protestors who not only put their own life in danger, but also risked other people’s health by not abiding to the rules of social distancing amid Covid-19.

“TVA’s management condemns such acts that represents, not only intimidation against journalistic work and an assault on the integrity of a reporter but also the safety of our reporters and cameramen in the field.”

The Canadian Association of Journalists also issued a statement and condemned the harassment against Kariane.

CFWIJ condemns the harassment that Kariane had to endure while she reported on the ground. We demand that Canadian authorities take strict actions against those behind this incident of physical harassment, which did not only make Kariane feel uncomfortable but put her health at risk.