Canadian Repression

 Quebec Student Leader 

Jailed Indefinitely for Protesting 

Published 22 April 2015 0+ We Recommend 

The student's lawyer believes the judge is trying to make an example out of him in an effort to discourage student protests. A student leader from the University of Quebec at Montreal was jailed indefinitely, pending his trial, in what the student's lawyer is calling a “political judgment.” Hamza Baboz, an undergraduate student involved with his university's ongoing student strike, is facing 14 counts of assault, armed assault, mischief, stalking, uttering threats and unlawful assembly, according to Ricochet Media. The charges stem from a stand off on April 15, between university security personnel and students. The students were trying to enforce a strike mandate issued in a democratic assembly held by the student body to protest government cuts to education and social programs. The most serious charge of armed assault, is based on Baboz's alleged use of “silly string” against a security official, who did not report an injury. The prosecution is proceeding with summary charges, which, in the Canadian legal system, are less serious than indictment charges. “It is exceedingly rare to hold a defendant in custody at this stage, especially for summary offenses, because they are presumed innocent,” Baboz's lawyer Veronique Robert told La Presse. The prosecution is also seeking jail-time should Baboz be convicted. His lawyer believes the judge is trying to make an example out of him. “You’re involved in a crusade, and it’s difficult to see where it will end,” Judge Denis Laberge said to Baboz in delivering his verdict Friday. Quebec has been rattled by massive protests, led by students in the province, who oppose the government's austerity agenda. Students in Quebec have a long tradition of resisting efforts by political parties of various stripes to dismantle the province's social programs.

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