ROTARY PAGE A7
WITH A HEART FOR HORSES PAGE A11
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
VOL. 101 NO. 48
Topham grateful for legal ally
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AUTUMN MacDONALD Observer Reporter He says if controversial speech is prohibited then no speech is safe. Jeremy Maddock is studying law at UVIC and is currently helping Arthur Topham, charged with “promotion of hatred” navigate the judicial system. And after the death of his lawyer Doug Christie in March of 2013, Topham said he’s even more grateful. “He’s been so dedicated since Doug passed away,” Topham said. “I’m so grateful, otherwise I’m sure I’d be hooped.” Maddock, who was working under Christie for three years, said Topham’s case and the issue of freedom of expression are his motivating factors in offering his time and expertise. “If you’re having a political discussion – I would hope you would have the right to agree or disagree with foreign government,” he said. Topham was arrested and his house searched in May 16 of 2012 after it was determined “there were “reasonable grounds the offence of promotion of hatred was committed.” At the time a number of items were seized, including: • Computer, laptop, smartphone, or device that accesses the Internet and is capable of uploading and downloading information, and all their peripheral equipment, computer discs, drives or storage devices which could be used to store information; and • Billing records, receipts and correspondence with ABC Communications and Netforms and correspondence in the form of mail or physical documents directed to Radical Press. The alleged offence falls under section 319(2) of the Criminal Code: willful promotion of hatred. The search warrant and arrest were executed by the New Westminster Police Services, British Columbia Hate Crime Team. At the time Topham was prohibited from accessing the Internet and operating his websites, including the Radical Press, but those restrictions were reinstated in early November of 2012. Anyone wishing to contribute to Topham’s “freedom of expression fund” check out, http://gogetfunding.com/project/ freedom-of-speech-in-canada-under-attack.
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Junior infuser This budding young infusion artist was having fun at the craft family day making oatmeal bath bombs, infused with soothing scents. For more photos see PAGE A3. Autumn MacDonald photo
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