Police attack anti-imperialist demonstration in Canada

north america / mexico | repression / prisoners | news report Monday May 09, 2005 05:04 by neo

May 5th Toronto arrestees need help

A spirited and strong demonstration of approximately 100 people, called by the May 5th Organizing Committee, was attacked by Toronto police. The action was called to demonstrate opposition to imperialism and Canadian corporate complicity in the occupation of Iraq. SNC-Lavalin's shareholders meeting, whose subsidiary SNC-Tec manufactures bullets for the US military, was the target of today's action.

Common Front Legal Update: 05-05-05

May 5th Action against SNC-Lavalin, Canadian War Profiteer

A spirited and strong demonstration of approximately 100 people, called by the
May 5th Organizing Committee, was attacked today by Toronto police. The action
was called to demonstrate opposition to imperialism and Canadian corporate
complicity in the occupation of Iraq. SNC-Lavalin's shareholders meeting,
whose subsidiary SNC-Tec manufactures bullets for the US military, was the
target of today's action.

During the action police violently arrested three demonstrators, and snatched a
fourth during the dispersal of the action. While the crowd was leaving, an
unmarked black van pulled up and cops jumped out and grabbed an individual in
the process of leaving the demonstration, in a move clearly designed to
intimidate.

Of those arrested, three are being held in police custody overnight at Toronto?s
52 Division at Dundas and University. They will all have show cause (bail)
hearings Friday morning. Allegations range from assault police to obstruction
of justice. People are encouraged to show up and show support for those
arrested, while being conscious that disruptive actions in court will not help
free our comrades.

Mostafa Henaway, Nick Birtig, and Rade Kovaceric will be in court Friday May 6
at 10:00 a.m., at in courtroom 101 of Toronto?s Old City Hall Courthouse (60
Queen Street West, at Bay Street). **People attending court will be searched
upon entry.**

Another arrestee was released with no charges, having been arrested on
allegations that he breached the peace.

Despite the repressive attacks and four arrests, the action achieved its
objective of disrupting the SNC-Lavalin annual shareholders meeting, and scored
major gains in the media and business press. Many people were shocked upon
learning of SNC Lavalin?s bullet contract with the US military, and are
outraged at such material support by Canadian business for US military
operations around the world. Resistance to imperialism is growing around the
world, and taking aim at war profiteers is a concrete way to support such
resistance, while targeting Canada?s own 'home-grown' oppressors.

In other news, SNC-Lavalin shares were down $1.60 on the day.

We will not be intimidated, and we will show our solidarity.
***

Common Front Legal Update: 05-06-05

May 5th Arrestees

The good news is that 2 of those held over for bail hearings today have
been released, Mostafa on a surety of $2,500 and Rade on a
surety of $4000.

The bad news is that the crown is trying for detention for the last
person, they have charged him with major charges and breach of
probation from other events. As a result, we have retained new counsel
for him, and his bail hearing has been postponed to Monday morning, as
the sureties and bail money were not strong enough to get him out today.

To this end we are asking several things:

1. For supporters to show up to court Old City Hall 9:30am 101 Court on
Monday May 9th,
2. We need funds to pay for the lawyer for this hearing. If you are able
to donate, email commonfront-legal@tao.ca,
3. Keep organizing!

It is clear that this is a response both to the effectiveness of the
action at the SNC Lavalin general meeting, and to the bravery and
effectiveness of our comrade in custody. To this end, we must pack the
courtroom on Monday and do everything in our power to free him and to
continue the broader struggle for justice.

***


***
Common-Front Legal Collective, Common-front@tao.ca

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from many roads we all connect for freedom and revolution