Death threats posted against crusading B.C. senior
Man who monitors Craigslist for racist postings becomes victim himself
CBC News
Posted: Feb 3, 2012 8:08 PM PT
Last Updated: Feb 3, 2012 9:12 PM PT
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Police in B.C. are investigating death threats against a man who has complained about hate speech on Craigslist’s Vancouver website, CBC News has learned
Cran Campbell, of Delta, B.C., says he regularly monitors the Rants and Raves section of the popular website and flags postings he believes are racist, hateful or threatening.
Campbell said he also reports some of the more vicious comments to police.
Delta police are now investigating death threats against the 63-year-old retiree that have been made in comments brazenly posted on Craigslist.
"Just like a pesky mosquito he should be swatted ... and silenced forever," one posting about Campbell said.
"Keep looking over your shoulder," said another.
Someone has also posted Campbell's picture and his home address.
“I get a bit concerned when they tell me they're coming to my address,” Campbell said Friday. “But you know what? Nothing in this world is going to stop me from doing what I'm doing right now.”
Postings advocate killing
He said he's found many postings that openly talk of killing as many people from a particular race as possible.
“I cannot stand racism and hatred,” said Campbell. “It's not in my blood to do that. It's not in any of my family that accepts that.”
B.C.’s Hate Crimes Team is looking closely at the racist postings.
“If you are promoting or inciting hatred against an identifiable group, then that potentially could be a criminal offence, but it's a long process that we have to look at,” said the head of the team, Det. Const. Terry Wilson.
One anti-racism activist told CBC News he sympathizes with Campbell.
“It's a serious situation. We can't take it lightly,” said Alan Dutton, of the Canadian Anti-Racism Education and Research Society. “There needs to be protection for these individuals that do make complaints. And I would hope that people who do have the courage to come forward do take precautions.”
Campbell said he is adamant and will not back down, and will continue to flag racists on Craigslist.
With files from the CBC's Alan WatermanShare Tools
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