Jagmeet Singh verbally abused by protesters in Ontario

Jagmeet Singh says hatred threatens democracy, after he was screamed and sworn at during an election campaign stop in Ontario earlier this week.

As the federal NDP leader left an event in Peterborough on Tuesday, he was surrounded by protesters who yelled profanities at him, repeatedly called him a “traitor,” and gave him the finger.

Related article: Singh says government must move to counter hate groups

Video posted to social media shows the group of protesters even following Singh to his car and continuing to hurl abuse.

Singh was in Peterborough in support of a provincial NDP candidate.

On Wednesday, Singh issued a response, saying “polarization and disinformation are real dangers to our society.”

Thank you to everyone that has reached out to me after yesterday’s incident in Peterborough.

Here are my thoughts and reflections: pic.twitter.com/Oz81q0S5du

— Jagmeet Singh (@theJagmeetSingh) May 12, 2022

“While disagreements are fundamental to a thriving democracy – hatred, violence and wishing death upon others threaten it. Politicians must remember the consequences when they stoke fear and division,” the statement reads in part.

“When hate is given space to grow, it spreads like wild fire. That is why we must always confront it – giving it no space to take hold, no room to grow.”

Related video:

In September 2020, Singh was followed and threatened with a citizen’s arrest.

“On a personal note, I felt safe and comfortable. I was okay in the situation that happened. But also have years and years of martial arts experience,” Singh said shortly after the 2020 incident.

“I do believe we’ve got a culture of openness in Canada, which is special. Lots of folks that I know from countries around the world see a massive barrier between themselves and elected officials because there’s this presence of a big security detail and I feel like the ability to approach your elected officials is important. But there is a balance we have to strike with safety and security. People should be able to do their work without fear.”

With files from Xiaoli Li