Pro-Palestine journalist and activist Yves Engler was released from jail in Montreal on February 20, after spending five days in the Bordeaux prison. Engler was arrested following his criticism on X of pro-Israel commentator Dahlia Kurtz’s anti-Palestinian writings.
Kurtz has openly called for the deportation of pro-Palestine activists, among other hateful statements. On December 21 of last year, Kurtz reposted an image of masked individuals holding a banner with the slogan “MASS DEPORTATIONS NOW”. “Who’s with them?” she asked, beside an emoji indicating she was raising her hand.
Last summer, Engler had written on X: “Racist Dahlia supports killing Palestinian children. 20,000 is not enough she wants even more Palestinian blood spilled.” Six days later, on July 5, 2024, Kurtz quote-tweeted Engler’s post, writing, “Hello, @EnglerYves. 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. You must stop this harassment — and communication with me. Stop now.”
According to Engler, Kurtz’s accusations against him led to his arrest by Canadian authorities. Engler wrote in a blog post that he had “received a phone call from a Montreal police officer by the last name of Crivello.”
“She asked me to come to a downtown police station where I will be charged for harassment and indecent communication,” he continued. “Crivello said a complaint was submitted against me months ago by a legal firm on behalf of racist media personality Dahlia Kurtz. Crivello said I had described Kurtz as a ‘genocide’ supporter and ‘fascist’ on Twitter. Guilty as charged.”
After his release, Engler wrote on X, “We won the first round in this battle to suppress speech on Palestine. But it’s outrageous that an author spent five days in jail to win the right to write about the person who brought charges against him.”
“The crown should immediately drop all charges against me, apologize and compensate me for my imprisonment. Of course I’m not holding my breath for the system to do the right thing,” Engler said.
