Thursday, March 10, 2005

I will not be going to jail

Charges have been withdrawn against 43 francophone persons accused of illegal assembly in relation to the protest against the World Trade Organization mini-ministerial in July, 2003. The withdrawal of charges against ALL arrested protesters (including me) is a formality.

On July 28, 2003, more than 200 protesters were rounded up by Montreal riot police, several kilometers away from the site of a World Trade Organization meeting of ministers. The protesters were charged with Illegal Assembly. Four separate "mega-trials" had been scheduled. The charges were dropped on Wednesday because of the refusal by Montreal police and Crown prosecutors to comply with disclosure orders. Defense lawyers still have pending motions demanding the payment of costs by the Crown. Once again, Montreal-area protesters have defeated the Crown at court!

No comments: