[antiwar-van] Update #3: Important Victory in the Fight to Free ALISON BODINE!

[Shannon Bundock]

News Update #3

IMPORTANT VICTORY IN THE FIGHT TO FREE ALISON BODINE!

On Friday September 14, 2007, at approximately 8:30pm,
Alison Bodine was released from an immigration
detention centre in Vancouver, following a massive
outpouring of support demanding her release, and
Canada-wide media coverage of her case. 

Alison, a political organizer, social justice activist
and US citizen, was arrested by the Canadian Border
Agency at the Peace Arch border crossing when leaving
Canada for the US Thursday September 13th.

The arrest of Alison is a further attack on
immigrants, refugees and all non-residents. Even
according to their own laws, the RCMP and Immigration
Canada have no legal basis for preventing her entry
into Canada. They only began the harassment and legal
process once they had identified her as a political
organizer. 

This unjust imprisonment was met with a huge protest
and organizing drive by the newly-formed Committee to
Free Alison Bodine. This afternoon on only 5 hours
notice, 80 people came together at the Citizenship and
Immigrations Offices, in Vancouver demanding the
immediate release of Alison Bodine. 

Media was also quick to pick up this important case,
throughout the afternoon the committee did interviews
with CKNW radio, CBC radio, CBC TV, Coop Radio, the
Ubyssey newspaper, the Capilano Courier and Indymedia.
CBC aired nation-wide coverage of the case. 

Following all of this, Alison’s status took a major
turn. Alison was told all day that there was no way to
release her from detention until at least Monday.
However, at 8:00pm this evening Alison was given
notice by Immigration officials that she would be
released from custody immediately until her
Admissibility Hearing on Monday Sept 17th at 2:00pm. 

At 6:30pm more than 65 activists came together in
Vancouver for an emergency meeting, called by the
Committee to Free Alison Bodine, to organize for
Alison’s release and further defense. It is no
coincidence that this major retreat by the Immigration
authorities came at the end of a whirlwind day of
action, mobilization and media attention. 

Alison’s release from detention is a major victory for
the progressive movement. However, this is not only a
victory for Alison, but for the democratic rights of
all political activists and organizers. Important to
note is that this is not a final victory, Alison is
still facing her Admissibility Hearing on Monday.
Because of this we must continue to defend her right
to stay in Canada. Our Fight is not over! Canadian
Border Agency, drop all charges against Alison Bodine!

WE WILL WIN!

For further information please contact:
free_alison_bodine at yahoo.ca

Shannon Bundock 778-891-1470
Tamara Hansen 778-882-5223
Aaron Mercredi 604-339-7103



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