JUDGE DUCKS APPEAL
An attempt by Friends of Clayoquot Sound director Valerie
Langer and Greenpeace Canada to gain "leave to appeal" last
month's court decision upholding an injunction prohibiting
Clayoquot logging blockades was stonewalled yesterday by an
Appeals Court judge. Judge John Taggart refused to rule
immediately on the plaintiffs' request for appeal, saying he was
"reserving judgment" on a decision which normally takes a day
or two. Warning that he was about to go on a three-week holiday,
judge Taggart said it could be "some time" before nd
Greenpeace learn whether or not they can appeal the injunction
to the B.C. Supreme Court
"When people arrested for defending the Clayoquot
rainforest ask for an adjournment of two days or a week to seek
legal council and prepare their defense, they are told their trial is
a matter of public urgency and must be heard right away," said
Friends' spokesman, Will Thomas. "But when the matter before
the judge is something as urgent and important as e
Court appeal we are told the court will get back to us sometime in
a vague and indefinite future. I'd call this Argentinean justice -
but this would be an insult to Argentina."
In other legal news, the Friends have arranged legal counsel
for the 242 people charged on the August ninth "mass arrest."
The arrestees will be meeting at the Newcombe Theatre on
Sunday, Sept. 26 to have their legal questions answered, and to
strategize their defense.
For more information call Will Thomas 725-4218