The Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ) issued a formal request on Friday, September 18, 2026, for the Independent Investigations Office to conduct an independent inquiry into recent police assaults on journalists in Montreal, Quebec. The association said the request follows documentation of multiple attacks on members of the press and the resurfacing of an Instagram video showing a police intervention that raised concerns about the conduct of officers.
According to the CAJ, the documented incidents involve members of the local journalism community who were subjected to aggressive police actions while performing their duties. The association highlighted the Instagram footage as a disturbing example of police behavior, noting that the video has been widely shared and has intensified calls for accountability.
The Independent Investigations Office, which is tasked with examining serious incidents involving police, has been asked to undertake a thorough review of the alleged assaults. The CAJ’s appeal seeks a transparent and impartial investigation to determine whether the actions of Montreal police officers violated legal standards or the rights of journalists.
Montreal police have been referenced in the CAJ’s statement, but no specific details of the incidents or the officers involved were provided. The association emphasized that repeated episodes of police aggression toward journalists have created an environment of concern for press freedom in the city.
The call for an independent probe reflects the CAJ’s broader commitment to safeguarding the safety of journalists and upholding the principle of a free press. The request is intended to ensure that any misconduct is examined without bias and that appropriate measures are taken if violations are confirmed.
The Independent Investigations Office has not yet issued a response to the CAJ’s request, and the matter remains under discussion among the involved parties.