O'Neill vs the RCMP
The Freedom of Expression Committee of the Book and Periodical Council is outraged at the raid by the RCMP on the home and office of Ottawa Citizen reporter Juliet O'Neill. When police use such tactics against a writer, or there is a perception that authorities have taken questionable actions, it creates an environment that impedes freedom of expression.
"This not only affects the journalist in question," said Ron Brown, Chair of the Freedom of Expression Committee, "but sends a chilling message to all writers and publishers involved with producing or researching news stories. The sweeping powers of Canada's draconian anti-terrorism legislation, pushed through Parliament in response to September 11, 2001, must be reviewed immediately. The RCMP's search and seizure of a journalist's files is unacceptable."
"It is deeply concerning that with Freedom to Read Week just weeks away Canada's freedom for journalists to write and publish the news is so glaringly compromised," Brown added. "We join with other organizations in calling for an inquiry into the RCMP raid and also for a review of Canada's anti-terrorism laws."
The Book and Periodical Council has also recently challenged the search and seizure of documents from the home of true-crime writer Stephen Williams and Marsha Boulton.
The Book and Periodical Council represents 27 associations involved in the writing and editing, publishing and manufacturing, distribution, selling and lending of books and magazines in Canada. Member organizations represent more than 11,000 individuals, institutions and firms. The Freedom of Expression Committee, established in 1978, monitors threats to intellectual freedom in Canada. Freedom to Read Week 2004 takes place February 22-28, with events planned across the country.
Media Contact
Sarah Thring
604-609-6086
thring@sprint.ca
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