[van-announce] (no subject)

[prisoner support]

Support Justin Goodman!
Remember Kobra and Hassan!

November 2, 2004

Jury selection took place today for Justin Goodman's upcoming November 15 trial on charges of "assisting escape from lawful custody" and "assault on a police officer", related to the Canadian government's attempted deportation of two Iranian refugees on January 21, 2003. Crown counsel is asking for jail time.

Kobra Natghi and her 21 year old son, Hassan Esmat, fled Iran as political refugees facing torture and death. They were called in to an Immigration Canada office in Vancouver for a routine interview on January 17, 2003. When they showed up for the interview they were handcuffed and then moved to separate prisons. They were both initially denied a lawyer.

Vancouver members of the International Federation of Iranian Refugees held a demonstration in support of Kobra and Hassan at the Immigration office on January 20.

On the following day, a demonstration against Kobra and Hassan's deportation took place at the Vancouver Airport. An immigration officer walked Kobra past the demonstrators, and she managed to run away and escape. Three people, including Justin Goodman, were arrested at the airport. One of the arrested later resolved his case out of court, while the other person's whereabouts is unknown.

After her escape, Kobra was apparently told by her lawyer to turn herself in to the police. She did so, and was quickly deported, along with her son.

Nothing has changed over the past year. Refugees are still being detained and deported. While the Canadian government "legally" exploits and destroys the lives of refugees, those who take a stand against this system are criminally charged and put on trial.

Support Justin Goodman! Show up for his trial!

November 15, 2004
10:00 a.m.
British Columbia Supreme Court
800 Smithe Street
Vancouver




_______________________________________________
Join Excite! - http://www.excite.com
The most personalized portal on the Web!