Surrey Man Faces Consequences For Covid-19 Protest Spat

A suspended sentence has been handed down to Vojislav Zmukic, who pleaded guilty to one count of assault for spitting on a cameraman during a Covid-19 protest in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. The incident occurred on February 19, 2022, at a Freedom Convoy protest near the Pacific Border Crossing.

The protest was part of a larger demonstration against vaccine-related requirements implemented by the provincial and federal governments during the pandemic. Journalists Shawn Foss and Dan Burritt from CBC were among those covering the event, but they were quickly surrounded by protesters, including Zmukic, who began intimidating them.

According to eyewitnesses, the protesters attempted to block Foss’s camera, causing one person to shove it and leaving him stumbling. As Foss tried to regain his balance, some of the protesters started spitting on him, with Zmukic being one of the culprits. The incident was captured on tape by another TV camera, which was used as evidence in court.

In a statement released after the verdict, CBC condemned the violence against journalists and called for greater support for those in the profession. “Being assaulted is not part of a journalist’s job,” said a spokesperson. The judge’s decision highlighted the vulnerability of journalists and media personnel during protests, with Judge Delaram Jahani noting that their mandate and commitment to their profession is to keep the public informed of relevant events that impact the community.

Zmukic was sentenced to 12 months of probation, during which he must complete 50 hours of community service and attend regular meetings with a probation officer. He is also prohibited from coming within 100 meters of Foss. The incident has sparked debate about the safety of journalists during protests and the need for greater protection measures. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, it remains essential for media outlets to ensure that their staff are protected while they report on critical events, particularly in potentially hazardous situations.