Journalist says he's received threats following 'false' accusations that he's a Russian agent
David Pugliese said he's had to increase security around his home due to 'preposterous' allegations
An experienced Ottawa journalist, David Pugliese, revealed he and his family have received threats following accusations labeling him as a Russian agent, which he strongly denies as "preposterous." Testifying before the House of Commons public security committee, Pugliese shared that the threats include calls for him to be "executed or tortured" and for his family to be deported. These threats came after former immigration minister and ex-Canadian ambassador to Afghanistan, Chris Alexander, publicly accused Pugliese of working for Russia.
Alexander, who presented documents purportedly showing Pugliese as a target of Russian recruitment, described the evidence as a serious threat to Canada's national security. However, Pugliese refuted the claims, saying the documents contain "factual errors and falsehoods" about his background, including an incorrect assertion that he lived in Ottawa in 1984. Pugliese highlighted his work at the time for a U.S. military publication that was critical of the Soviet Union, covering topics like NATO expansion and U.S. military strategy.
Pugliese criticized Alexander’s motivation behind these claims, noting that he had reported on Alexander's time in government. Reflecting on previous false accusations of being linked to the CIA and Taliban, Pugliese remarked sarcastically on the "exciting life" he’s apparently been attributed. He expressed disappointment that no MPs initially challenged Alexander’s claims, although some later admitted they had insufficient time to review the evidence provided.
Brent Jolly, president of the Canadian Association of Journalists, accompanied Pugliese at the hearing and supported him, condemning Alexander’s allegations as “dumbfounding and dangerous.” Jolly emphasized that Pugliese's only "crime" was performing his duties as a journalist.
