Photographer attacked while covering protest

TORONTO — A Toronto newspaper photographer said he opted to file a complaint with police about being attacked while covering a protest in order to raise awareness about the dangers of escalating anti-media sentiment.

Longtime Toronto Sun staff photographer Stan Behal said what he experienced last weekend – which included being hit on the head – was different from other incidents over his 35-year career, alleging it appeared to be fuelled by animosity toward journalists.

“The public is getting the message that you can get away with this, especially when someone as high-profile as the President of the United States says that we’re the ‘enemy of the people,”’ Behal said. “That’s scary. That really makes what we do very difficult.”

Toronto police said they’ve launched an assault investigation in response to Behal’s complaint but did not provide further details. No arrests have been made.

Behal said the incident took place while he was covering an anti-hate rally in downtown Toronto on Saturday.

A coalition of religious, labour and social justice groups had convened to counteract a planned demonstration by the Worldwide Coalition Against Islam, which is open about its anti-Muslim and white supremacist agenda. That group ultimately did not go through with its rally but those against it gathered nonetheless.

Behal said that while many espoused messages of tolerance, a specific contingent made him feel targeted as he accompanied a Toronto Sun columnist and snapped photos of the event.

Suddenly, a man whose face was not covered lunged at him, Behal said. A video posted on the Sun’s website shows a man rush up to Behal, swat at his head, grab his arm and eventually yank off his cap. Several people, including police, look on as the incident takes place.