'Cringeworthy': Trudeau's foreign minister Melanie Joly panned for laughing during 'serious' press conference

Canada’s Foreign Minister, Mélanie Joly, has faced criticism for laughing during a press conference when questioned about the killing of Ripudaman Singh Malik , a Sikh businessman acquitted in relation to the 1985 Air India bombing . Malik, who had praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had been a target of criticism from Sikh extremist groups.
When asked whether Malik’s homicide was connected to Indian involvement, Joly responded that she could not provide an answer as she was neither the Minister of Public Safety nor the head of the commission, before briefly laughing. This response drew sharp reactions, with some questioning the appropriateness of her demeanour during such a serious discussion.

This just validates the sheer incompetence of Joly -she candidly has no idea of the consequences of what she has been scripted to say !!pic.twitter.com/oMjdzDsi5j

— Concerned Canadian (@Concern70732755) October 14, 2024

Several individuals voiced their displeasure online, with one expressing disbelief at how such a moment could be treated with levity, particularly knowing the international attention it would receive. Another user labelled the event as "cringeworthy," criticising the leadership as incompetent and accusing Joly of using accusations as a distraction from current political troubles. A third comment pointed out that someone in a graduating law class always comes last, suggesting that Joly's actions reflect poorly on her ability to represent Canada, and implying that qualifications related to diversity, equity, and inclusion do not guarantee intelligence. Another person referred to the press conference as a dangerous public relations stunt, comparing it to a similar event from the previous year.

I love it when the Government of Canada takes foreign interference, or the murder of Canadians by hostile Governments, so seriously. pic.twitter.com/o73EfX56a5

— PETRIFIED COVID PARENT (@covid_parent) October 14, 2024

Ripudaman Singh Malik had been acquitted in 2005 for his alleged involvement in the Air India bombing, which took 329 lives, including 268 Canadians. Despite his contentious past, Malik had reconciled with the Indian government and had even been granted a visa to visit India. Earlier in 2022, Malik publicly commended Prime Minister Modi in a letter for his initiatives to improve the welfare of the Sikh community in India, a move that provoked strong opposition from some Sikh extremist factions.
India has strongly denied claims made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding evidence in the case of Sikh extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar . According to government sources quoted by ANI, India rejected the assertion that credible evidence had been presented by Canadian officials. They described Trudeau’s recent press conference as the same rhetoric, repeating unsubstantiated accusations. Indian officials emphasized that, from the start, Canada’s approach has been vague, placing the burden of disproving the allegations on India.


In response to allegations made by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police ( RCMP ) about Indian agents using criminals in Canada to target the South Asian community, particularly pro-Khalistani elements, India cited the lack of specific evidence. Indian officials noted that, during an RCMP briefing, no concrete details were provided about individuals allegedly linked to India. Although there were mentions of accountability, it remained unclear who was being held responsible and for what actions. Indian sources also expressed frustration that, after engaging diplomatically over the past year, the Canadian government has chosen to target the Indian High Commissioner.

Tensions between the two countries have been escalating since last year, when Trudeau accused Indian agents of involvement in Nijjar’s killing—a claim India has dismissed as absurd. India has consistently pointed out that the core issue is Canada's tolerance of pro-Khalistani groups, which operate freely within its borders.
Earlier today, Trudeau reiterated his claims, accusing India of using its diplomats and organised crime networks to threaten Canadian citizens, describing it as a "monumental mistake" by New Delhi. He also noted that Canada has been working closely with its Five Eyes intelligence partners, particularly the United States, which he suggested has experienced similar issues with India. Trudeau reaffirmed his commitment to working with allies to uphold the rule of law.