BPC Bulletin: Justin Brake Scores a Victory in Court
News Reports and Commentary Selected by Franklin Carter of the Book and Periodical Council’s Freedom of Expression Committee
In Newfoundland and Labrador, the Court of Appeal recently dismissed a civil charge of contempt against Justin Brake, a journalist.
The Court of Appeal — which overturned a lower court ruling — delivered its verdict on March 28, 2019.
In 2016, Mr. Brake followed protesters onto the construction site of a hydroelectric dam at Muskrat Falls in Labrador. He was reporting news for The Independent.
Mr. Brake still faces criminal charges of mischief and disobeying a court order.
REPORTAGE
Holly McKenzie-Sutter of the Canadian Press reports:
CBC News reports:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/justin-brake-civil-charge-1.5075957
Kathleen Martens of APTN News reports:
https://aptnnews.ca/2019/03/28/justin-brakes-case-a-win-for-journalistic-freedom/
COMMENTARY
In the Winnipeg Free Press, Shannon Sampert writes:
The Book and Periodical Council was formed in 1975 as the Book and Periodical Development Council to provide a venue for members to discuss industry issues, address mutual concerns and undertake projects for the benefit of Canadian writing and publishing.