After spending five days imprisoned, I was released without restriction on my ability to discuss the charges brought against me for criticizing Israel. It’s a small win for free expression and Palestine campaigning.
In court on Monday the judge effectively forced the crown to drop its bid to block me from mentioning arch anti Palestinian Dahlia Kurtz. The crown wanted to restrict my ability to mention the name of the Jewish supremacist who instigated a police complaint against me.
The outpouring of support has been heartwarming and helpful. On Thursday morning 30 joined an emergency rally to accompany me to the police station where I was detained. A similar number showed up at court on Friday and on Monday morning I was told 100 rallied at the court. Thirty were still there when I was released after 7 PM.
Protesters’ presence in the court Monday morning is probably what prompted the judge to demand the jail send me immediately to court (apparently there was a mix up on the date for my bail hearing). Those who came out ensured the judge considered the free speech/Palestine issue seriously. A slew of guards commented on the number of supporters inside court and who later waited outside for my release. As a result, they treated me more respectfully.
In response to the initial call over 4000 emailed a Montreal police inspector calling for them to “drop charges against author Yves Engler”. Subsequently more than 6000 emailed the Montreal police chief and mayor requesting my release from jail and the withdrawal of all the charges against me. (more...)
Thank you to thousands who supported me: we won
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