Straight Talk

Despite widespread condemnation of sexually graphic Greta Thunberg illustration, RCMP deem image non-criminal

by Craig Takeuchi on February 28th, 2020 at 3:55 PM
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      After a public outcry about a sexually explicit image resembling a famous youth climate activist, RCMP launched an investigation into the sticker.

      The illustration, which surfaced online earlier this week, depicts a naked female figure viewed from behind with braids being pulled downward by hands. The name “Greta” is written on her back.

      The figure appears to be a reference to 17-year-old climate activist Greta Thunberg from Sweden, who toured across Canada last year and also participated in a climate rally at the Alberta legislature in Edmonton on October 18. (She also marched in a climate strike in Vancouver on October 25.)

      Below the image is the logo of Albertan company X-Site Energy Services.

      X-Site had declined several media interview requests though general manager Doug Sparrow told Calgary 660 News that his company was not involved and that they have received hundreds of complaints.

      Red Deer RCMP announced today (February 28) that officers specializing in child sexual exploitation have completed their investigation into the decal and determined that “the decal does not meet the elements of child pornography”. They also stated that the decal does not “depict a non-consensual act that would be a direct threat to the person”.

      In conclusion, Red Deer RCMP stated that they “do not believe it constitutes a criminal offense”.

      Alberta RCMP are not providing any further comments about the investigation.

      Alberta’s Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism, and Status of Women Leela Sharon Aheer denounced the image, calling it “horrendous” and “completely deplorable, unacceptable, and degrading”.

      Alberta Premier Jason Kenney thanked Aheer for speaking out about the “odious image”.

      Alberta’s Minister of Energy Sonya Savage agreed with Aheer in calling for an apology.

      You can follow Craig Takeuchi on Twitter at @cinecraig or on Facebook. 
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      Craig Takeuchi

      @Cinecraig

      The urban beastie otherwise known as Craig Takeuchi is a UBC BA (art history/film studies) and MFA (Creative Writing program, with a screenplay thesis) graduate who has had his fiction and non-fiction work published in numerous local and national publications. He's covered a wide range of topics...

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