[van-announce] Hastings 7 Update

[Maryann & Eric]

April 12, 2005

HASTINGS SEVEN TRIAL POSTPONED DUE TO LACK OF VANCOUVER POLICE
CO-OPERATION WITH THE COURTS

With four days to go before the start of trial, Vancouver Judge Warren
has
granted an adjournment to the six people now involved in the Hastings
Seven legal case (one of the individuals originally charged has been
granted a stay). The trial, initially scheduled for April 13th-20th,
2005
has now been postponed until February 2006.

Lawyers for the Hastings Seven accused successfully argued for the
adjournment based on the refusal of the Vancouver Police Department to
release all documents and evidence pertaining to the February 29, 2004
detainment, arrest and charges against seven East Vancouver residents.

Although the adjournment is a small victory for justice, in that
proceeding to trial without evidence would be a substantive breach of
the
rights of the accused, it also introduces new hardships for those
involved. Postponing the trial will result in some lawyers for the
accused
being unable to represent in this case due to scheduling and financial
considerations. In addition, the length of time this matter has dragged
out has cost loss of work time and community organizing ability in
additions to restrictions on livelihood and social relationships due to
conditions imposed by the court.

Given the Vancouver Police Department’s contempt of the justice process
demonstrated by their refusal to co-operate, not to mention the
inability
of the Hastings Seven to get a fair trial due to police behaviour in the
media, the only just solution is a complete stay of all charges in this
case.

We urge supporters of the Hastings Seven to call Attorney General Geoff
Plant, and demand a stay of charges for the six people and an
independent
inquiry into the misconduct of the Vancouver Police Department. Attorney
General Geoff Plant can be contacted at (250) 387-1886,  Fax: (250)
387-6411.

Donations for legal defense are also desperately needed. Please make
money
orders or cheques out to "Hastings Legal Defense" and mail to P.O. Box
15810 #104-12 Water St. Vancouver, BC -   V6B 1A5

For Further Information Contact:
Hastings7 at resist.ca
http://resist.ca/~hastings7
or Call : 604-682-3269 Ext :7814




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Background Information:

The original news release and photographs from the February 29th, 2004
incident can be found at http://resist.ca/~vpdbrutality.

Reports detailing VPD abuses by PIVOT, PACE (Prostitution Alternatives
and
Counselling), and Human Rights Watch can be downloaded at
http://www.pivotlegal.org/complaint/index.html.