David Menzies, the reporter for Canada’s conservative Rebel News Network, was arrested on Monday for asking Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland a question.
A police officer reportedly accused Menzies of assault despite the reporter not making any physical contact with Freeland.
The video of the incident, posted by Rebel News chief Ezra Levant, showed Enzies asking Freeland about Canada’s refusal to label Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IGRC) as a terrorist organization.
The video shows Menzies keeping pace with the Deputy Prime Minister as he walks down the street when a Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) stands in his way and begins claiming Menzies “assaulted” him.
Menzies does not appear to notice the RCMP officer because his attention is on Freeland.
The officer then appears to set a “pick,” basketball-style, as a pretext for accusing Menzies of assaulting him.
However, there is no evidence that Menzies intended to do so.
“You’re under arrest for assault,” said the officer.
Watch
BREAKING: Rebel News reporter David Menzies (@TheMenzoid) was brutally arrested by police after he tried to ask Chrystia Freeland questions.
— Rebel News (@RebelNewsOnline) January 8, 2024
Visit Rebel News for more on this story: https://t.co/J42ReU1MjY pic.twitter.com/5vgNotnjyy
The Western Standard reported:
The officer moved Menzies towards a vehicle, identifying himself as police and saying he was under arrest for assault. Menzies said the officer was the person who blocked his way.
“I was just scrumming Chrystia Freeland,” he said.
The officer acknowledged Menzies was being arrested for assaulting a police officer. In response, he accused him of assaulting him three years ago.
Another RCMP officer said Menzies was being arrested because of his actions. This is because he was almost pushing people over.
“That was a little bit aggressive for what was happening,” said the officer before the arrest occurred.
True North managing editor Andrew Lawton said Menzies was released YRP.
“Have confirmed that Menzies was released without charges,” said Lawton.
Have confirmed that Menzies was released without charges.
— Andrew Lawton (@AndrewLawton) January 9, 2024
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