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June 02, 2025 – Canada –
Ottawa police arrested journalist Ramona Murphy while she was covering a protest against the CANSEC arms trade show at the EY Centre. Murphy, a volunteer journalist with The North Star, was filming police actions when she was detained alongside 12 other demonstrators. She was threatened with charges of mischief and resisting arrest but was released eight hours later without any formal charges.
The North Star condemned the arrest as an attack on press freedom, emphasizing that Murphy was identifiable as a journalist and was documenting the event from a distance. Eyewitness accounts and live footage corroborate her role as an observer. The outlet has demanded an official apology from the Ottawa Police Service.
The protest, which drew over 300 participants, aimed to challenge the presence of defense companies at CANSEC, particularly those linked to arms sales to conflict zones. Demonstrators blocked access roads, leading to a significant police presence. In total, 13 individuals were arrested during the demonstration.
This incident has raised concerns among press freedom advocates, who argue that the arrest of a journalist engaged in lawful reporting sets a troubling precedent. The Ottawa Police Service has not provided a clear explanation for Murphy’s arrest, and questions remain about the existence of any designated media zones during the protest.
The arrest of Ramona Murphy underscores the challenges faced by journalists covering protests and the importance of safeguarding press freedoms. As tensions between law enforcement and the media persist, this incident serves as a reminder of the need for clear protocols to protect journalists in the field.
Reference –
https://ottawacitizen.com/news/north-star-journalist-arrest-ottawa-police-cansec
