Anonymous submission to MTL Counter-info
On October 21, 2024, the SPVM executed a search warrant and an arrest warrant against a pro-Palestinian militant at their home. The cops seized electronic devices, and the comrade was brought to a police station, where they were interrogated for several hours on topics including campus-based Palestinian solidarity, the encampments of summer 2024, and radical media projects. The comrade has been charged with incitement of hatred in connection with a post on social media. They were released the same day with a notice to appear in court.
This is a (somewhat belated) PSA to ensure the broader community is informed of police repression targeting the local Palestine solidarity movement. This repression has echoes in other Canadian cities, namely Vancouver and Toronto, where police have also brought “hate” crime charges against activists in the last year, under pressure from zionist lobby groups that seek to conflate opposition to Israeli genocide with antisemitism.
This event serves as a reminder to practice strong digital security, which includes making sure all devices are encrypted and have strong passwords. Devices should be powered off when possible, because lock screens can be bypassed once a device has been turned on and unlocked once. Use GrapheneOS. Don’t discuss activity that could be criminalized on your phone.
Finally, it cannot be repeated enough that we should never speak with police or answer their questions. Beyond providing your name, date of birth and address if arrested, you always have the right to remain silent. Honoring our commitments to our comrades and the struggles we share means exercising this right when repression comes knocking.