PEN Canada to Ask Superior Court Judge to Remove Bail Restrictions on
Attending Public Demonstrations

TORONTO, Nov. 10 /CNW/ - PEN Canada is concerned at the arrest and censorship of well known anti-globalization and social justice activist, Jaggi Singh.  PEN Canada is particularly troubled by the bail restrictions that have been imposed on Mr. Singh, which prevent him from attending public demonstrations.   

PEN Canada supports Mr. Singh's attempts to challenge the terms of his pre-trial release at a bail review hearing scheduled for November 17-19, 2010.  PEN Canada has retained Clayton Ruby and the law firm of Ruby & Shiller to seek leave to intervene in Mr. Singh's bail review and to argue that Mr. Singh's bail restrictions are incompatible with freedom of expression. 

Mr. Singh, a veteran of numerous social justice campaigns in Canada and around the world, is accused of being a leader of the demonstrations that occurred during the 2010 G20 summit protests in Toronto.  He faces three charges of criminal conspiracy.  None of the allegations against him have been proven. 

Mr. Singh was released in July after posting bail of $85,000, but was forced to sign strict bail conditions, including the prohibition on participating in or attending any public demonstration. 

PEN Canada believes that the prohibition on participating in political demonstrations is inconsistent with the Government's obligations to ensure that all law enforcement is conducted within the bounds of the Constitution.  The right to participate in peaceful, public demonstrations is a right protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.  Preventing someone from participating in a public demonstration does nothing to ensure the safety of a single Canadian.  On the contrary, the practice of censorship harms the rights of all Canadians and is repugnant to any society that values its right to freedom of expression.

For further information:

For more information on the legal challenge, please contact:
Gerald J. Chan ([email protected])
Nader R. Hasan ([email protected])
Ruby & Shiller Barristers
416 964 9664

For details on PEN Canada's advocacy, please contact:
Brendan de Caires ([email protected]) PEN Canada, 416 703 8448 ext 21