Clayoquot Sound Activist Stands Trial on June 20 for "Aiding and Abetting"
over 800 Acts of Civil Disobedience
On Monday, June 20th environmentalist Tzeporah Berman stands trial in
Victoria, facing charges related to anti-logging protests in Clayoquot
Sound. From June through October 1994, Tzeporah Berman worked for the
Friends of Clayoquot sound coordinating protest efforts to oppose clearcut
logging there. During that period over 800 protesters were arrested for
acts of non-violent civil disobedience. If convicted she faces serious jail
sentence. In addition, this case could affect the freedom of other
organizers and activists in Clayoquot Sound and throughout Canada.
Please take a moment to write a letter asking for the charges to be dropped
(Sample letter enclosed). Write to: the Honorable Colin Gabelmann, Attorney
General of British Columbia, Room 232, Parliament Buildings, Victoria, B.C.
V8V 1X4, Canada. Phone (604)387-1866, Fax (604)387-6411. You can also
send a copy of your letter to or call your nearest Canadian Consulate.
Throughout the period of protests, Ms. Berman's role was to inform and
coordinate the efforts of individuals and ensure the orderly and peaceful
conduct of daily demonstrations.
On July 16, following a concert by the rock band Midnight Oil and a
demonstration of over 3000 people at the blockade site, Ms. Berman was
arrested. On July 19 and again on August 9, lawyers for MacMillan Bloedel,
attempted to convince the courts that Ms Berman was guilty of "aiding and
abetting" protesters at the blockade site. Both attempts failed. On one
occasion the presiding judge refused the preosecution's requests, stating
that "To my mind, the tapes I saw did not really reveal counselling, or
aiding and abetting, or contempt. What I saw was a mere political speech.
>From a practical point of view too, if she was useful to the police in
keeping the peace previously, she would probably continue within that role
if she is on the ground as she was at the time."
In her role as peacekeeper Ms. Berman scrupulously avoided violating the
terms of a court injunction which restricted protest actions at the site of
the blockade. Throughout the period of protests Ms. Berman did not violate
the court injunction or any other laws.
It is clear that the Crown has targeted Tzeporah Berman for the key
organizing role she played in the Clayoquot Sound protests. For this reason
the case has serious implications for all activists involved in organizing
protests and coordinating non- violent civil disobedience actions. The fact
that Ms. Berman faces a potentially serious jail sentence is a direct threat
to the right to protest and organize as well as the right of freedom of
speech guaranteed under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Tzeporah Berman, who currently works as Forest Campaigner for Greenpeace
Canada, is 25 years old.
The protest at Clayoquot Sound was the largest demonstration of mass civil
disobedience in recent Canadian history. As a result, Clayoquot Sound and
the struggle to halt clearcut logging in this remnant of temperate
rainforest has become a global environmental issue.
SAMPLE LETTER
The Honorable Colin Gabelmann
Attorney General of British Columbia
Room 232
Parliament Buildings
Victoria, B.C. V8V 1X4
Canada
Phone: (604)387-1866 Fax: (604)387-6411
Dear Attorney General Gabelmann,
On Monday, June 20 environmentalist Tzeporah Berman stands trial in
Victoria, facing charges related to anti-logging protests in Clayoquot
Sound. It is my understanding that Ms. Berman acted solely as a
peacekeeper and that she broke no law or court order. Nevertheless she
faces criminal charges and a potentially serious jail sentence for "aiding
and abetting" protesters who on their own free will blocked a logging road
to voice their opposition to the clearcutting of Clayoquot Sound. I am
writing to express my concern over these charges.
The current charges clearly violate Ms. Berman's right to free speech, right
to protest and her freedom to organize other people who freely participate
in acts of non-violet civil disobedience. Singling out and arresting a
protest organizer in this way is an act of intimidation and harassment.
Although such tactics are common in countries where basic individual rights
do not exist, one would not expect them from Canada, a leader in the free
world.
The fact that over 800 people from throughout Canada committed acts of
civil disobedience and thousands more continue to protest the clearcutting
of ancient forests in British Columbia indicates strong public opposition to
the B.C. Government's forest policies. In light of this opposition, the
Government should be re-considering its logging decision instead of
prosecuting its critics.
People must have the right to express their opinion and peacefully organize
for what they believe without fear of arrest and potentially long jail
sentences. I appeal to you to instruct the Crown Attorneys in your
department to drop the charges immediately.
Sincerely,