Rebel News Sues RCMP: Allegations of Intimidation and Exclusion

Key Incident

• David Menzies Arrest: Rebel News media personality David Menzies was arrested without charges after attempting to question Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland at an event commemorating Flight PS752's destruction.
• Event Context: The event was to mark the destruction of Flight PS752 by the Iranian military in January 2020, resulting in 176 deaths including 55 Canadians and 30 permanent residents.

Lawsuit Details

• Accusations Against RCMP: Rebel News and Menzies allege the RCMP has engaged in a systematic pattern of intimidation and exclusion.
• Additional Defendants: York Regional Police and the Attorney General of Canada are also named in the lawsuit.
• Arrest Incident: Video evidence shows an RCMP officer confronting Menzies, alleging assault, which Menzies disputes.

Allegations

• Claims of Theater: The lawsuit claims the officer intentionally made physical contact with Menzies to ensure an arrest scenario.
• Charter Violations:
  • Alleged violations of freedom of expression.
  • Claims of arbitrary detention.

Previous Incidents

• 2020 Incident: Menzies claims RCMP officers assaulted him while questioning Prime Minister Trudeau.
• 2022 Convoy Protest: Another Rebel News personality was purportedly shot with a riot-control gun.

Legal Proceedings

• Court Actions: Separate legal actions have been taken by Rebel News against RCMP related to these incidents.
• Requests for Donations: Rebel News is soliciting donations to cover legal expenses.

Official Responses

• RCMP Statement: The RCMP is reviewing the incident; no comments on ongoing legal matters.
• York Regional Police: Menzies was released unconditionally; no credible security threat identified.
• Chrystia Freeland's Comment: Stated that politicians do not interfere with police operational decisions.

Media Coverage

• Multiple articles and videos document the event and its aftermath.

Author Information

• Catharine Tunney: Reporter with CBC's Parliament Hill bureau, contactable via email.

The claims detailed in the lawsuit have not yet been proven in court. The incident underscores ongoing tensions between Rebel News and the RCMP regarding journalists' rights and police conduct.