Montreal man charged with criminal defamation for comments against police officers
Mohamed Bekkali, 25, faces three counts of defamatory libel after a TikTok video sparked outrage, including misogynistic remarks against a female SPVM officer.
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A 25-year-old Montreal man has been arrested and charged with three counts of defamatory libel for comments made against three Montreal police officers.
Mohamed Bekkali faces criminal charges following a TikTok video in which he made vulgar and misogynistic remarks directed at a female police officer. The video, which resurfaced in March after initially being posted earlier, sparked significant outrage. The alleged incidents occurred on June 13 and 14, 2026. Bekkali was arrested on July 2 and has been released pending trial.
Under the Criminal Code of Canada, publishing defamatory libel carries a maximum punishment of two years in prison.
The incident prompted response from provincial and city leadership. The Quebec National Assembly passed motions condemning the remarks, and Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada called the behavior "unacceptable." SPVM Chief Fady Dagher and the Montreal police brotherhood called on the city to consider a new bylaw banning insults against police officers.
Some municipalities including Quebec City, Laval, Longueuil, and Sherbrooke allow police officers to fine citizens for insulting police and other public officials. However, legal experts have questioned whether such a bylaw would survive constitutional challenge.
The facts
Who was charged and with what?
Mohamed Bekkali, a 25-year-old Montreal man, was charged with three counts of defamatory libel for comments made against three Montreal police officers.
When was Bekkali arrested?
Mohamed Bekkali was arrested on July 2, 2026.
What's the maximum penalty for defamatory libel in Canada?
Under the Criminal Code of Canada, publishing defamatory libel carries a maximum punishment of two years in prison.
Which Quebec cities have bylaws allowing police to fine people for insults?
Quebec City, Laval, Longueuil, and Sherbrooke allow police officers to fine citizens for insulting police and other public officials.
