"Canadian journalist accuses Khalistanis of encircling him, issuing threats of violence and physical harm."
Title: Journalist Mocha Bezirgan Assaulted by Khalistani Stalker during Rally in Vancouver
Vancouver, Canada - It's a chilling tale of intimidation and violence against independent journalist Mocha Bezirgan, who was attacked by a Khalistani stalker during a rally in Vancouver. The assailant, who had been harassing Bezirgan for over a year, physically attacked him in front of the police, grabbing his phone and using dehumanizing language.
In an exclusive conversation with us, Bezirgan shared his ordeal. "I was reporting on an event where Khalistani supporters were honoring their so-called martyrs. I was minding my business when this Khalistani stalker approached me, getting way too close for comfort. I asked him to back off, but he just kept pressing me for a conversation. It was becoming increasingly threatening."
Bezirgan, who has been documenting Khalistani protests for over a year, reveals that this is not the first time he's faced such aggression. "I've been to about 30 of their events, and my only goal is to do independent journalism and report what's going on. But since I'm editorially independent, this frustrates some people. They want to influence me, bribe me, or threaten violence if they can't. That's what this individual did."
The stalker wasn't deterred by the presence of the police and continued to harass Bezirgan, even after the journalist had reported this individual for his harassment before. "The police exercise restraint in addressing such issues, which I don't like because that kind of behavior was harassing, threatening, and physically intimidating. I believe the assailant should be deported back to his home country."
Mocha Bezirgan, a Canadian citizen, expressed his disappointment at the Canadian police and called for the assailant's deportation. "Allowing this foreign national to walk free is unacceptable. He's not a citizen of Canada, what is he doing interfering with my job, interfering with the journalism of a Canadian citizen? This is a threat to my safety and press freedom."
The journalists' safety remains a concern, and the incident has sparked widespread condemnation, especially within media and civil liberty groups. As the investigation continues, it serves as a stark reminder of the threats journalists face and the importance of protecting press freedom.
The attack on journalist Mocha Bezirgan, an incident observed in Vancouver, sheds light on the broader issue of threats and intimidation against media personnel. In addition to the current instance, Bezirgan has faced such aggression while covering Khalistani protests for over a year. The general-news and crime-and-justice communities are following this case closely, with many expressing their opinion that the assailant's behavior not only threatens press freedom but also puts the safety of journalists at risk.
