Pitasanna Shanmugathas is a law student at the University of Windsor and a graduate of the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs.
Montreal-based author and activist Yves Engler turned himself in to Montreal police for arrest at 9:30 am Thursday on multiple charges, initially for social media posts about the Israel-Gaza conflict and subsequently for writing about the police enforcement action against him. Following the arrest, Engler appeared in court via video link Thursday afternoon and will remain in detention overnight after the Crown opposed his release without stating reasons.
Speaking to JURIST, Green Party of Quebec leader Alex Tyrrell described Engler as “a very well-known author, activist, and journalist” and “a very outspoken voice in Canadian politics.” Tyrrell added that “in a country that’s supposed to be free and democratic, we’re supposed to be able to have political rights, we’re supposed to be able to speak out against genocide when we see it. And Yves’ rights are being violated right now.”
The case originated when Engler wrote a series of social media responses on X to posts by media personality Dahlia Kurtz, whom he characterized as making “racist, violent anti-Palestinian posts.” Engler had described Kurtz as a “genocide supporter” and “fascist,” referencing her public commentary on the Gaza conflict.
The situation escalated on July 5, 2024 when Kurtz directly addressed Engler on X, stating: “I’m advising you in this one message only that you are harassing me. You’re threatening and you’re making me afraid for my safety.” This message referenced a post Engler had made six days earlier stating, “Racist Dahlia supports killing Palestinian children. 20,000 is not enough she wants even more Palestinian blood spilled.”
According to Engler, instead of using X’s built-in blocking feature, Kurtz pursued criminal charges through a legal firm reportedly associated with Neil Oberman, a Conservative party candidate in the upcoming federal election. Months after Kurtz’s public warning to Engler, Montreal police investigator Crivello contacted Engler on Tuesday to inform him he would face charges of harassment and indecent communication.
“As a father of a two-year old and seven year-old and author of 13 books, it’s beyond absurd to suggest I’m a threat to Dahlia Kurtz,” notedEngler. “I’ve never met Kurtz. Nor have I messaged or emailed her. Nor have I threatened her. I don’t even follow her on X.”
After being notified of these charges, Engler published an article about the situation, prompting the Canadian Foreign Policy Institute to organize an email campaign. Approximately 3,500 people contacted police demanding the charges be dropped. In response to Engler’s article, police added new charges against him for allegedly intimidating and harassing investigator Crivello through his writing about the initial charges.
Senator for British Columbia Yuen Pau Woo spoke out Thursday in support of Engler, stating he supports Engler’s right to “denounce the genocide in Gaza and to call out those who are aiding and abetting crimes against humanity.” The Independent Senator called on the police to “explain the grounds for any charges laid against Mr. Engler and to demonstrate his rights are not being infringed.”
During Thursday’s afternoon virtual court appearance, Engler appeared without glasses and struggled to see the video screen. Engler was cut off mid-sentence when attempting to discuss conditions. When he asked why his release was opposed, the judge dismissed the question, stating it was at the prosecutor’s discretion, and advised him not to speak. A not-guilty plea was recorded before Engler was led out of the room.
The initial charges against Engler over his social media posts raise significant concerns under Section 2(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, as his social media criticism of Kurtz’s public positions represents political speech on matters of public interest. The additional charges for criticizing police enforcement actions further raise constitutional questions about freedom of expression and the limits of legitimate criticism of law enforcement.
A bail hearing is scheduled Monday to determine the conditions for Engler’s potential release. JURIST reached out to the Montreal police, who declined to comment on Engler’s arrest.
