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Summit of the Americas

Quebec's Prison Decision Misguided

Quebec's plans to empty the local jail in anticipation of arrests of protesters at the Summit of the Americas next April, is provocation, Warren Allmand, President of Rights and Democracy, said today.

Montreal, November 02, 2000 ? Quebec's plans to empty the local jail in anticipation of arrests of protesters at the Summit of the Americas next April, is provocation, Warren Allmand, President of Rights and Democracy, said today.

"The security forces shouldn't pre-judge the behaviour of demonstrators before they have even set foot in Quebec City,"  Mr. Allmand said in a statement. "Previous protests have revealed that the vast majority of demonstrators express their opinions in a peaceful manner. Citizens have the right to demonstrate freely without fear of intimidation."

Public Security Minister Serge M?nard's decision to institute special round-the-clock courtrooms to conduct arraignments in case of massive arrests at the three-day Summit is premature and unnecessary, the President of Rights & Democracy said.

He urged the minister to ensure that police response in Quebec is graduated and proportional to disturbances involved. "In recent years we have witnessed a worrisome trend where police almost automatically resort to the use of water cannons, tear gas and pepper spray to subdue more difficult demonstrators. Police must respect human rights in keeping with police ethics codes."

"While obviously special arrangements are required when 34 heads of state come to town, a gated-in environment with heavy police presence is counter-productive. The Quebec National Assembly has a role to play to ensure that civil liberties, freedom of speech and assembly are protected throughout the process leading up to and including the Summit." Mr. Allmand said.

"Canada is often held up as an international role model for policing and democracy," Mr. Allmand said. "The government should use this Summit as an opportunity to enhance that reputation.'

Rights & Democracy will be participating and providing financial support for the non-governmental event ? the Peoples' Summit ? parallel to the Summit of the Americas.