[van-announce] Vancouver Jury Trial Over Botched Deportation Begins

[prisoner support]

Vancouver Jury Trial Over Botched Deportation Begins

Monday, November 15. 2004

Justin Goodman's jury trial began today at the Supreme Court in downtown Vancouver, relating to Immigration Canada's attempt to deport Kobra Nateghi and her son, Hassan Esmat, almost two years ago. 

Kobra and Hassan had fled Iran as refugees facing torture and death. But Kobra escaped from the Vancouver Airport on January 21 of 2003, in the confusion of a demonstration held by her supporters against her deportation. Justin Goodman was arrested after the demonstration and charged with assisting escape from lawful custody, assault on a peace officer, and obstructing of a peace officer. Kobra reportedly contacted her lawyer, turned herself over to the police later that same night, and was deported along with her son two days later.

Crown counsel called two witnesses today, and plans to call at least three others over the course of the week.

Show up for any amount of time during the week-long trial to oppose Canada's deportation of refugees and to support those who are criminally charged for standing in solidarity with refugees.

10:00 a.m.
British Columbia Supreme Court
800 Smithe Street
Vancouver

Some background:

Kobra and Hassan were both been called in to an Immigration office in Vancouver for a routine interview on January 17 of 2003, and were promptly handcuffed and then moved to separate prisons. 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.

Hassan became very upset the next day, when he and his mother were put on plane at the Vancouver Airport to be deported. The pilot refused to fly, and Kobra and Hassan were removed from the aircraft. A commissionaire led Kobra through the airport terminal, where they met a crowd of protesters and Kobra escaped.

Canada is still deporting refugees to unsafe countries such as Iran. 

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