ocap needs help

by John Clarke - OCAP Fri Jun 13, 2003 14:37 johnclarke at sprint dot ca

I would just like to add a quick appeal for people to come to our support around the charges we are facing. Our organization led a march of about 1,500 homeless people and supporters to the Ontario Legislature on June 15, 2000. We demanded that a delegation be received but the Government refused this and used riot police and mounted units to clear the grounds. This led to a major confrontation that became known in the media (and the courts) as the 'Queen's Park Riot'.

I the wake of this event, dozens were charged. One homeless man spent seven months in jail before he made bail. Three of us, Stefan Pilipa, Gaetan Heroux and myself, were alleged to be 'leaders' of a 'planned riot' and were charged with offences drawn from antiquated 'public order' provisions of the Criminal Code that had almost never been used since WWII. We faced prison terms of up to five years and, in the three years this has been hanging over our heads, have put up with highly restrictive bail conditions so that, when I was arrested on a very minor matter in 2001, I spent a month in jail after my bail was revoked.

We spent four months on trial. Twenty police witnesses testified and hours of videotape were shown to the jury. We mounted a principled defence in which we made clear that we were a militant organization that came to the Legislature to confront a Government that was allowing people to die on the streets. We also stated, however, that we did not plan a riot but that the clash that day was created by an arrogant political regime and a provocative and reckless police operation. At the end of this, to the prosecution's consternation, the Jury split into two camps and a mistrial had to be declared. This was huge political victory.

Next week, we go back to court to find out if the charges will be dropped or a second trial, at massive public expense, will be initiated. We are dealing with a state attack on our organization and the use of charges that pose a threat to civil liberties and the very right to assemble. International political pressure on the Ontario authorities is of great help. In some places (the US and South Africa) delegations have been taken to Canadian diplomatic offices. On our website, at www.ocap.ca there is information on how to write letters to the Ontario Attorney General. Such letters would be effective and inspiring.

Thanks in advance for all support and solidarity.

John Clarke, Organizer,
Ontario Coalition Against Poverty

by kanata Thu Jun 12, 2003 21:15

OCAP is a direct-action anti-poverty organization based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It has mounted campaigns against regressive government policies as they effect poor and working people. In addition, it has provided direct-action advocacy for individuals against eviction, termination of welfare benefits, and deportation.

more info at:www.ocap.ca

by mick Thu Jun 12, 2003 17:35

John , It might help okap's cause if you were to explain what it is .