Press Credentials Should Not Be Controlled by Police and Local Governments

Duncan Kinney thinks it’s weird for police to spend over 180 hours to secretly surveil a journalist and father.

The recent case of Duncan Kinney, an Edmonton journalist facing significant legal challenges after being accused of vandalizing Nazi-related monuments, underscores a critical issue: the need to safeguard press freedoms from undue influence by police and local governments. Kinney’s ordeal, which could lead to a decade in prison if convicted, highlights the potential dangers of allowing law enforcement and government entities to determine who is deemed a journalist.

The Threat to Press Freedom

Kinney’s challenges extend beyond the legal charges to a broader fight for media access. After reporting on police misconduct, including their operation of a secret surveillance plane for two decades, Kinney found his press credentials revoked. This exclusion barred him from attending critical press conferences, such as one following a police shooting.

The arbitrary nature of this revocation raises serious concerns. Kinney’s experience reflects a troubling pattern where independent journalists, particularly those critical of institutions, are targeted with barriers that hinder their ability to report freely.

Police Surveillance: A Disproportionate Response

The excessive surveillance of Kinney prior to his arrest further illustrates the misuse of police power. A six-man surveillance team dedicated over 181 hours to tracking him, even photographing his family and child. Former police officers have criticized the allocation of resources for such minor charges, questioning the proportionality and intent behind these actions.

This excessive response reveals the risks of empowering law enforcement to control press credentials. When journalists expose uncomfortable truths about police conduct, they risk being labeled adversaries, leading to potential retaliation that stifles investigative reporting.

A Flawed Credentialing Process

Kinney’s struggle to regain press credentials underscores the opacity of the process. Police lawyers demanded in-person interviews without providing justification for the suspension, creating an intimidating and obstructive environment. This lack of transparency underscores the need for an independent body to oversee press credentialing, ensuring that access is granted based on journalistic work, not institutional favor.

Broader Implications for Journalism

The case also highlights systemic issues in how Canada confronts its historical narratives. The monuments Kinney is accused of vandalizing—a bust of Roman Shich and a tribute to the 14th Waffen SS division—commemorate figures with ties to Nazi atrocities. Reporting on such controversies has subjected journalists like David Pugliese to baseless accusations and attempts to discredit their work, illustrating the precarious position of those challenging entrenched narratives.

Defending Journalism

Kinney’s case has resulted in mounting legal costs, prompting a GoFundMe campaign to support his defense. The community has rallied, with donations reaching 60% of the goal, but the financial burden remains substantial. This highlights the urgent need for systemic change to protect journalists from retaliation and ensure they are not financially ruined for holding power to account.

The Call for Independent Oversight

To uphold press freedom, the process of issuing and revoking press credentials must be removed from the hands of police and local governments. An independent body, accountable to neither political nor law enforcement entities, should oversee this critical function.

The ability to question authority is a cornerstone of democracy. Duncan Kinney’s fight is not just about his own rights but about preserving a free and independent press for all Canadians. Supporting his legal battle and advocating for systemic reforms are essential steps in ensuring that journalists can continue their vital work without fear of reprisal.

You can contribute to Kinney’s defense here. Every donation strengthens the fight for press freedom and justice.