ocap needs help
national |
miscellaneous |
news report
Thursday June 12, 2003 01:05
by john throne - labors militant voice
loughfinn at aol dot com
ocap need your help
Most of us on this list know at least a little about the tough times facing
OCAP now. I'm not so sure if everyone realizes what a critical moment this
actually is...
A three year investigation and trial of key OCAP members John Clarke, Stefan
Pilipa, and Gaetan Heroux recently ended in mistrial. The prosecution's
failure to get either conviction or verdict was both a major victory.
Unfortunatly, the looming threat of a new trial also presents a very serious
danger. On the one hand, prosecutors will surely adapt their tactics and
learn from certain mistakes. The other thing we must consider is the heavy
strain which legal defense puts on OCAP, its members, and their families.
The next week or so is critical. At this very moment, Toronto authorities
are considering whether or not to proceed with a new trial. OCAP is asking
all individuals and groups to sign on to their demand for no second trial in
this very decisive moment.
Information on the situation and requested steps are detailed on their
website: www.ocap.ca
Most all of us are very busy with our various important efforts. We are all
also familiar with solidarity campaigns, letter writing,etc... This
situation is a bit different than most. The mistrial was a definate setback
for OCAP’s enemies and the decision to retry OCAP is in the air, and far
from certain. This means our potential efforts would be much more than
abstract acts of general principle. Letters and endorsements may actually
prove to make serious impact on the outcome of events.
John and Stefan are also fathers
of very young children. Consider the effect of their prison terms not just
politically, but in personal and family terms as well.
I strongly urge the most urgent action possible along OCAP’s requested
lines. The clock is ticking and all our support is needed.
ocap.ca
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Comments (3 of 3)
Jump To Comment: 1 2 3John , It might help okap's cause if you were to explain what it is .
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
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