Anti-Israel activists pose threat to candidates: RCMP

OTTAWA — As a federal election in Canada looms closer, the RCMP are growing concerned over the threat anti-Israel activists may pose to politicians out on the hustings.

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As reported this week by Blacklock’s Reporter, an internal RCMP report warns of “stalking and harassment” against politicians, with “flash protests” presenting what police describe as a “significant challenge” for protection details.

“A recent event for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was cancelled abruptly after several hundred pro-Palestinian demonstrators blocked entrances to the Art Gallery of Ontario,” read an excerpt from the report.

In that case last March, hundreds of anti-Israel activists got a reception between the two leaders cancelled by blocking entrances and berating would-be attendees with antisemitic slogans and harassment and calling for an uprising against Jews.

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Pro-Palestinian activists sparked an explosion of antisemitism in Canada since the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas terror attacks.

The RCMP report predicts “additional increases in threats” in the coming election campaign.

“Members of Parliament have increasingly become the target of stalking and harassment generally due to their public profiles or political stance,” the report read.

“Annually law enforcement officials intercept thousands of individuals who demonstrate inappropriate or unusual interest in public officials or figures. These behaviours evidence the need for systems and services to assess and manage risks associated with these behaviours.”

bpassifiume@postmedia.com
X: @bryanpassifiume

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