Two Canadian Sikh journalists intimidated

(CJFE/IFEX) – CJFE expresses concern for two Canadian Sikh journalists who have suffered intimidation as a result of their journalistic activities. Irvinderpal Singh Babra published the bi-monthly “Sikh Press” in Toronto, Canada, but has ceased to publish since February 2000 for financial reasons. Following stories published in September 1999 which detailed the activities of certain […]

(CJFE/IFEX) – CJFE expresses concern for two Canadian Sikh journalists who have suffered intimidation as a result of their journalistic activities. Irvinderpal Singh Babra published the bi-monthly “Sikh Press” in Toronto, Canada, but has ceased to publish since February 2000 for financial reasons. Following stories published in September 1999 which detailed the activities of certain Toronto-area Sikh temple committees, he has been the subject of a civil suit for libel and slander in the Superior Court of Ontario, alleging innuendo. Babra reported that temples were issuing false charitable receipts to temple members. Peel Police confirm that evidence shows some temples have been issuing false charitable receipts using revoked charitable numbers.

Baltej Pannu, publisher of the weekly Punjabi-language “Nagara” has received threatening phone calls since he started his paper two years ago. “They say, ‘You better stop these kinds of stories’” says Pannu. Anonymous callers have also made reference to the November 1998 murder of Canadian Sikh journalist Tara Singh Hayer in British Columbia. Pannu has also reported on unaccountable financial management of Toronto-area temples. There is a Sikh population of about 200,000 in Ontario.

Recommended Action

Send appeals to authorities:

• asking that all threats against the journalists be thoroughly investigated

Appeals To

Lawrence MacAuley

Solicitor General of Canada

House of Commons,

Ottawa, ON, Canada, K1A 0A6

Fax: +1 613 952 2240

Noel Cattney

Chief of Police

Peel Regional Police

7750 Hurontario Street

Brampton, ON, Canada, L6V 3W6

Fax: +1 905 451 1638

Please copy appeals to the source if possible.