British satirist charged with being within 5 metres of the security fence at
G20 retains Clayton Ruby: first court date tomorrow

TORONTO, July 14 /CNW/ - As we discovered in the middle of the G20, the police never had the authority under the Public Works Protection Act to demand that persons coming within 5 metres of the security zone identify themselves and to arrest those who refused. Instead, the Public Works Protection Act only gave the police the power to demand identification of those "entering or attempting to enter" the security zone and to arrest those failing to comply with such a demand.

Police spokesman, Mark Pugash, has assured the Globe and Mail and the public that no one was arrested under the Public Works Protection Act who shouldn't have been. This is untrue. Charles Veitch has been arrested and charged with neglecting to comply with the direction of a peace officer contrary to s. 5(1) of the Public Works Protection Act. That direction was that he show identification because he was within 5 metres of the security fence. Mr. Veitch's first court appearance is scheduled for Thursday, July 15, 2010 at 1:30pm in C Court at Old City Hall, 60 Queen St. W., Toronto, ON.

Charles Veitch is an accomplished and well-known street satirist who resides in London, England. He arrived in Toronto for the G20 on Wednesday, June 23rd. On Thursday, Mr. Veitch took to the streets of downtown Toronto with his camera crew from Press for Truth (an alternative media organization) and made satirical presentations on a megaphone designed to express his views on globalization, the culture of consumerism, and the creeping police state. Mr. Veitch was standing within 5 metres of the security fence by Union Station and talking to his camera crew when they were approached by police officers. Mr. Veitch was not entering or attempting to enter the security zone.

One of the officers told Mr. Veitch and his camera crew that they could not film "within 5 metres of this wall" and then demanded that they show identification. When Mr. Veitch failed to do so, he was arrested. The officer specifically cited the "Public Works Act". This entire exchange was captured on camera. Mr. Veitch was held in custody overnight and was not released until the next morning.

Mr. Veitch has retained Clayton Ruby to defend him and intends to vigorously challenge the prosecution of this charge.

For further information: Clayton Ruby or Gerald Chan at 416.964.9664