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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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Canada: 'Free Marc' Activists Arrested at Justice Minister's Office
Cannabis Culture Friday 11 Jun 2010 Jacob Hunter, Policy Director of the Beyond Prohibition Foundation and organizer of recent Conservative MP office occupation protests, was accosted by a police officer while attempting to walk through the front door of the Member of Parliament's constituency office in Ontario. Hunter was there as part of a continuing series of protests being held at the offices of Conservative Members of Parliament by supporters of Marc Emery, and was joined by a group of activists including Jodie Emery. Hunter was reportedly arrested for "assaulting a police officer". Activists said another individual was also arrested at the scene. Jodie Emery, wife of imprisoned activist and former seed-seller Marc Emery, said an officer arrived at the scene and told protestors to stop filming, and claimed the video camera was "a weapon". Shortly thereafter he grabbed, shoved and arrested Hunter when he tried to follow the officer into Mr. Nicholson's office. The entire incident was caught on video (VIDEO COMING SOON) despite the officer's attempt to prevent the events from being recorded. Reports from people at the location suggest Hunter did not engage in any unlawful conduct. "The right to peacefully protest government action is basic and fundamental to our democracy," said Kirk Tousaw, the Executive Director of the Beyond Prohibition Foundation. "Mr. Hunter should not be subject to arrest and possible prosecution for engaging in political activity protected by the Charter and central to the workings of every democracy on Earth." The Foundation is calling upon the Justice Minster to intervene and ensure that no charges are brought against either of the men arrested. "Mr. Nicholson makes much of his government standing up for the rule of law," said Tousaw. "The Charter is the supreme law of the land. Being arrested for peaceful protest strikes at the very core of our democracy and is an utter rejection of the rule of law. It is time for this government to make clear that the exercise of basic democratic rights will be protected, not prosecuted, in Canada." http://cannabisculture.com/v2/content/2010/06/10/Free-Marc-Activist-Arrested-Justice-Ministers-Office
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