Reinstallation of “inappropriate” mural that calls DTES community “skids” renews demands for coroner’s inquest
Vancouver – A mural that a Vancouver Fire Department spokesperson said was removed because it was “inappropriate,” “definitely not acceptable,” and left the Chief of the Fire department “a little […]
Afghan detainee hearings
On Tuesday, April 6, 2010, lawyers for Amnesty International Canada and the B.C. Civil Liberties Association (BCCLA) will return to hearings before the Military Police Complaints Commission. The Commission has […]
Afghan detainee lawyer wins rights award
Vancouver, B.C. – The B.C. Civil Liberties Association is pleased to announce that Paul Champ, legal counsel for the BCCLA and Amnesty International on the Afghan detainee litigation, is this […]
BC government plans to eliminate mandatory coroner’s inquests
Vancouver, B.C. –The B.C. government plan to eliminate mandatory coroner’s inquests for some in-custody and police-involved deaths was criticized today by the British Columbia Civil Liberties Association. The proposal is […]
The detainee buck stops where?
The Afghanistan detainee transfer agreement of May 2007 has been cited by the government as providing for adequate monitoring and inspections of prisoners transferred by Canadian Forces to Afghan authorities. […]
Solitary confinement of prisoners
Vancouver, B.C. – The BCCLA is calling on the Minister of Public Safety to drastically reform the use of solitary confinement in Canadian prisons. The BCCLA joined with other concerned […]
BCCLA complaint wants police free speech policy defined
An allegation that a Victoria Police Department police officer has been ordered not to discuss harm reduction at an upcoming drug policy conference has caused the BCCLA to file a […]
Military commanders told of legal obligations to investigate claims of abuse
The Toronto Star is reporting today that it has obtained a copy of a “top secret document” outlining the military’s obligation to investigate claims of transfer to torture in Afghanistan. […]
BCCLA to VPD: Leave the big guns at home for demos
Vancouver, B.C. – The BCCLA has asked the Vancouver Police Department to stop bringing semi-automatic military weaponry to demonstrations in Vancouver, even where demonstrations present public order issues. “Even in […]
Omar Khadr – Repatriation
In a letter issued today to Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Minister of Public Safety Peter Van Loan, the BCCLA renews its call for the government to seek the immediate […]