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Wednesday, November 25, 2015
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VOL. 102 NO. 24
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TOPHAM TRIAL
Topham awaiting sentencing – bail conditions remain the same AUTUMN MacDONALD Observer Reporter
During last week’s bail hearing Crown sought to prevent Arthur Topham from operating his website. Justice Bruce Butler denied Crown’s request. Topham was found guilty by a 12-member jury of one count of wilful promotion of hatred and not guilty of a second count of promoting hatred. The charges stemmed from material found on Topham’s site, www.radicalpress.com the same site in which Crown sought last Friday to have restricted. Crown pointed to Topham’s posts during the trial and a photograph of potential jurors lined up outside the courthouse, stating it posed a safety threat to jurors. Butler agreed to request the removal of the photograph to which Topham immediately agreed. “Yes, if it is a concern I will do so this afternoon,” Topham said. Defence argued there was no publication ban and a number of media outlets were covering the trial. “Freedom of the press and freedom of expression are a concern here,” he said. “There’s no reason to change [bail conditions] at this time.” Justice agreed, noting they were not yet at the sentencing portion. “Given that and the freedom of speech issue, we’re getting ahead of ourselves,” he said. “My wife and I and bodyguard Frank Frost left the courthouse feeling rather elated about the decision and knowing that RadicalPress. com had been victorious once again in retaining its right to carry on publishing until the Charter challenge to Sec. 319(2) was heard,” Topham wrote on his website. Topham was arrested and his house searched on May 16, 2012 after it was determined “there were reasonable grounds the offence of promotion of hatred was committed.”
Moonlight Madness Friday, November 27 at West Park Mall 6 - 11pm Check out ad on B7
Tasty event North Cariboo Christian School hosted an Around the World Food Market at the Quesnel and District Arts and Recreation Centre Saturday. For a nominal cost visitors could sample food from various countries around the world including this South African booth. Local restaurants and cultural cooks showcased their unique cuisine. See Friday’s Observer for more photos. Autumn MacDonald photo
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Black Friday November 27 Look for Specials in this edition