Amid election threats, Crown prosecutors remind Quebecers of real consequences -- including prison time
Since Quebec's electoral campaign started last month, candidates from all the major parties have deplored threats made against them, both in person and online.
According to the Sûreté du Québec (SQ), at least 20 people have been arrested so far for threats against politicians or damage to election-related property.
The force states it has become aware of a significant rise in threats against elected officials since the COVID-19 pandemic began two years ago.
Now, the Crown prosecutors office (DPCP) has taken to social media to remind Quebecers of the very real consequences they may face for uttering threats against a candidate.
"Since the beginning of the election campaign, there have been reports of unfortunate incidents involving election candidates, some of which have been investigated by the police or reported to the courts," the DPCP wrote on Twitter. "Threats, harassment or intimidation offences carry a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a criminal record."
The department, which reiterated it is "independent of political influence," gave a few examples of different crimes that could lead to varying negative outcomes for the perpetrators.
"On a Facebook post about a high-ranking civil servant, a man comments, 'it's over for you, you're dead, my [censured]. We've figured out the truth': Criminal record and six months of detention," the DPCP notes.
In another example: "A young woman with no criminal record writes on Facebook that she'll 'break the legs' of an elected official: Criminal record and 18 months probation with several conditions, including not mentioning the elected official on social media and not posting violent or hateful comments or videos online."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
'Summer of discontent': Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate
Federal unions are launching legal challenges and encouraging public sector workers to file "tens of thousands" of grievances over the new mandate requiring federal workers to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall.
Watch fighter jet pilots pummel fake enemy ship off coast of Philippines
The United States and Philippines held annual joint-training drills just off the Southeast Asian nation’s western coast on Wednesday. Military forces sunk a 'mock' enemy warship – the BRP Lake Caliraya, which was a decommissioned tanker made in China.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his head more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
TSB concludes investigation into cause of London, Ont. freight train fire
More than two weeks after a freight train with several railcars ablaze rolled through the heart of the Forest City, the Transportation Safety Board (TSB) has concluded its investigation.
'I killed four people': Trial hears video evidence of Jeremy Skibicki at Winnipeg trial
“I killed four people,” alleged serial killer Jeremy Skibicki told two homicide detectives during a recorded interview played as evidence in his trial Wednesday.