Andrea MacLean from JSS Barristers has been retained to represent me and my source against former Liberal minister and Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi’s lawsuit.
"The recent legal action initiated by Amarjeet Sohi, Mayor of Edmonton (“Statement of Claim” filed in the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta on Oct 11), is full of defamatory statements about me. More importantly, it is an attack on public interest journalism.
It is an abuse of power inconsistent with the liberal democracy that Canada considers itself to be. The statement of claim questions my status as a journalist. However, hours before the claim was filed, I was publicly acknowledged in the Canadian Parliament as an “anti-terrorism investigative journalist” for my “fearless reporting on Khalistani extremism” by an MP.
It is important to note that prior to publishing my reports, I reached out to Mayor Sohi with inquiries in good faith, which he did not address. The allegations I have reported are supported by extensive documentation.
I view this legal action as a politically motivated attempt to silence whistleblowers and intimidate journalists who report on large-scale government corruption. I am prepared to defend myself vigorously with strong legal representation.
I stand firmly by my reporting. A politician taking legal action against an independent journalist who has uncovered matters of public interest contradicts Canadian values and principles. I invite everyone to view my journalism regarding this matter at InfoSohi.com I call upon Canadians who value transparency and integrity to stand with me in this fight against Amarjeet Sohi's unethical actions.
We must not allow politicians to set a precedent that undermines honest reporting. I encourage those who wish to support the cause of defending the principles of a free press to visit MediaBezirgan.com/donate"
-Mocha Bezirgan
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