Pneumatised!

I was getting tired as I was writing my blog earlier. Let’s not forget the “fundamental freedoms” given the CCRF:

“2. Everyone has the following fundamental freedoms:
(a) freedom of conscience and religion;
(b) freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication;
(c) freedom of peaceful assembly; and
(d) freedom of association.”

The UDHR provides in Article 19, “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.” Most importantly, Article 20(1) of the UDHR provides that “Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.” Peaceful protesters have every right to march and demonstrate against the G20 Summit and to express their opinions. Additionally, journalists have every right to be in the area in order to provide news coverage to the public.

In another Toronto Star article, we are told that Vasey is filing a Charter challenge to the PWPA and its accompanying regulation, Ont. Reg. 233/10. I say, good for him! Another issue with the PWPA is the assumption of guilt of anyone near the G20 area. When did “innocent until proven guilty” go away? Article 11 of the UDHR and Section 11 of the CCRF provides for this.

Also, disturbingly, police have arrested a deaf person. Torontoist is posting updates on their “G20 Live” page.

“8:09 PM: Kelli Korducki and Christopher Drost, both in Allan Gardens, are reporting that a large majority of the protesters there are now decamping and marching towards the special G20 detention facility located in the former Toronto Film Studios on Eastern Avenue. Reports indicate that earlier today a deaf man attempted to cross a line of police officers on bicycles, and when he was unable to communicate his intentions effectively to those officers he was knocked to the ground and taken into custody. Protesters are heading down to the detention centre with an interpreter, to try to secure his release.”

“9:13 PM: Christopher Bird and Christopher Drost are now on scene at the Eastern Avenue detention centre where a deaf man who tried to cross a line of police officers is being held. There are approximately thirty protesters present, and the police-to-protester ratio looks to be at least 3:1. The protesters are so far entirely peaceful, and say that they will not leave until they get a lawyer and a certified ASL interpreter on the scene. Saron Gebresellasi, a friend and neighbour of the detained man, has been speaking with the media on behalf of the protesters.”

“11:14 PM: Someone with a megaphone at Allan Gardens has just announced that the deaf person being held at the Eastern Avenue detention facility has been offered an ASL interpreter, but that this interpreter is a police officer. A contingent is now leaving Allan Gardens to head down to the former Toronto Film Studio site and show their support.”

Hopefully, he’ll get an interpreter soon.

It’s late now and I need some shut-eye. Stay safe everyone!

~~~C