Letter to Ontario Attorney General Michael Bryant
November 6, 2003
The Honourable Michael J. Bryant
Attorney General
Ministry of the Attorney General of Ontario
720 Bay Street
Toronto, Ontario M5G 2K1
Re: Stephen Williams Case
Dear Mr. Bryant,
The Freedom of Expression Committee of the Book and Periodical Council is alarmed by the magnitude of the actions taken by the justice system against Stephen Williams. To be charged with an additional 94 offences, to have his home raided twice, to have his computers seized and not returned seems out of proportion to his alleged offences. We are also concerned that the computer of Marsha Boulton, who has not been charged with any offence, was also seized and not returned. This action by the police, together with vague warnings to his publishers that his books may include illegal materials is disquieting and raises questions of intimidation and harassment.
When police are allowed to use excessive zeal against an author, or there is a perception that authorities have taken questionable actions, it creates an environment that impedes freedom of expression. This situation can be resolved by an independent investigation and full public disclosure.
The Freedom of Expression Committee of the Book and Periodical Council joins with PEN Canada and The Writers' Union of Canada in calling for a public inquiry into the justice system's treatment of Stephen Williams and Marsha Boulton. We urge you to safeguard freedom of expression by providing the public with an assessment of the actions of the various law enforcement officials involved in this decision to charge Williams.
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.
Yours sincerely,
Mr. Ron Brown
Chairman, Freedom of Expression Committee
Book and Periodical Council
Toronto
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