The story revolves around the attempted contract for journalist Daniel Renaud's assassination by a convicted killer, prompting outrage and calls for heightened protections for the press.
**Life Threatened: Canadian Investigator Targeted by Hitman for Exposing Crime**
**Life Threatened: Canadian Investigator Targeted by Hitman for Exposing Crime**
A disturbing plot to assassinate a Montreal crime reporter has emerged, bringing attention to the dangers faced by journalists in Canada.
In a shocking revelation, a hitman allegedly offered C$100,000 (approximately $71,400) for the assassination of Daniel Renaud, a crime reporter from the Montreal newspaper La Presse. The confession came from convicted murderer Frédérick Silva, who disclosed his actions during his trial for a series of murders in 2021. Silva, after being convicted in 2022, has since become a police informant.
Quebec Premier François Legault expressed outrage over the plot, asserting, "It makes no sense that in Quebec – we are not in a movie – there is a contract placed on the head of a journalist because he does his job." He emphasized the importance of law enforcement's continued focus on organized crime in the province.
According to La Presse, Silva's confession detailed his conversations with two prominent organized crime figures about the plot against Renaud, while he was in custody. The individuals reportedly hesitated to proceed with the assassination, cautioning that it was unwise to target a journalist. This contract was active for nearly two months but ultimately remained unfulfilled, as Silva claimed he had "more important issues to deal with." Silva is currently serving a life sentence.
Renaud, who was startled by the news, stated, "I don't censor myself, but I always exercise restraint... So I never thought that I could have ended up the subject of a contract like this." Vincent Marissal, a former colleague of Renaud's and now a member of the provincial legislature with the left-wing Québec Solidaire party, praised Renaud for his rigorous reporting, stating that while he does his job quietly, it certainly draws unwanted attention.
This incident serves as a grim reminder of the perils faced by journalists who bravely report on crime and corruption, highlighting the urgent need for robust protections in their line of work.
Quebec Premier François Legault expressed outrage over the plot, asserting, "It makes no sense that in Quebec – we are not in a movie – there is a contract placed on the head of a journalist because he does his job." He emphasized the importance of law enforcement's continued focus on organized crime in the province.
According to La Presse, Silva's confession detailed his conversations with two prominent organized crime figures about the plot against Renaud, while he was in custody. The individuals reportedly hesitated to proceed with the assassination, cautioning that it was unwise to target a journalist. This contract was active for nearly two months but ultimately remained unfulfilled, as Silva claimed he had "more important issues to deal with." Silva is currently serving a life sentence.
Renaud, who was startled by the news, stated, "I don't censor myself, but I always exercise restraint... So I never thought that I could have ended up the subject of a contract like this." Vincent Marissal, a former colleague of Renaud's and now a member of the provincial legislature with the left-wing Québec Solidaire party, praised Renaud for his rigorous reporting, stating that while he does his job quietly, it certainly draws unwanted attention.
This incident serves as a grim reminder of the perils faced by journalists who bravely report on crime and corruption, highlighting the urgent need for robust protections in their line of work.
