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June 08, 2025 – Vancouver –
Canadian journalist Mocha Bezirgan was assaulted on June 8, 2025, while covering a pro-Khalistan rally in downtown Vancouver. The attack has raised fresh concerns about press freedom, political extremism, and the growing tensions within Canada’s Sikh diaspora community.
Bezirgan, known for his investigative work on extremism, was filming the rally when a group of pro-Khalistan protesters confronted him aggressively. He reported that multiple individuals surrounded him, attempted to block his camera, and forcibly seized his phone. One attacker, believed to be a British national, followed him persistently even after he left the rally area and onto a nearby SkyTrain platform. Police were eventually called to intervene, ordering the suspect to back away. Bezirgan has since filed a formal police complaint, though no immediate arrests were made.
Speaking to media outlets, Bezirgan described the assailants as behaving “like thugs,” accusing them of deliberately targeting him to prevent coverage of their rally. He stressed that while the broader Sikh community is not involved, extremist fringe elements are increasingly using violence and intimidation against journalists who report on their activities.
Bezirgan also criticized certain Canadian political figures for indirectly enabling these extremist factions. He pointed out that some politicians have attended events organized by groups like Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), whose members have been linked to separatist violence and anti-India propaganda. Such political proximity, Bezirgan warned, sends a dangerous signal that emboldens extremist behavior.
This incident is part of a troubling pattern in Canada, where journalists and community members critical of Khalistani extremism have faced threats and attacks. Similar cases involving journalists like Rishi Nagar and Sameer Kaushal highlight the growing risks for media professionals covering sensitive diaspora issues.
The attack on Bezirgan has sparked broader conversations in Canada about balancing freedom of speech, combating extremism, and protecting journalists. Human rights advocates and media organizations are calling on Canadian authorities to take stronger action to safeguard press freedom and prevent such incidents from becoming more frequent.
As investigations continue, the Vancouver assault stands as a stark reminder of the mounting challenges journalists face when covering politically charged events in increasingly polarized societies.
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