March 29, 2024

UPDATED: The BC government has suddenly backed down on a promise to broadcast riot trials.

The provincial government is backing down, in its bid to broadcast every Stanley Cup riot related court case.

In a written statement released this evening, Attorney General Shirley Bond says the province is taking a step back to ensure that ongoing trials are not delayed.

Bond says the province has two goals, timely justice and greater transparency, and if there needs to be a choice between the two, the province will pursue timely justice.

Bond’s statements come after a provincial court judge rejected the crown’s bid to broadcast the sentencing hearing for Ryan Dickinson, which takes place Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the leader of the opposition is shaking his head at the government’s sudden reversal on a promise from the Premier to broadcast riot trials. 

Adrian Dix says the push by the government to broadcast riot trials was just to score political points and it has now failed.

 “The government has diverted resources at a time when there is serious problems in the justice system, where we are losing serious cases because the government has mismanaged the system. You know in this case not only has the government failed on a policy agenda but that failure has hurt the justice system and I think that is too bad.”

Dix says while the move was made to ease delays in the system, it is not a cure-all and court backlogs have never been more serious.

He says the government has dragged its feet on core issues like hiring judges while case loads have steadily increased.

The President of the Crown Counsel Association is shocked at the news.

 “I am surprised that’s given and, not something that was anticipated.”

Samiran Lakshman says the sudden move raises more questions than it answers….chief among them, what about broadcast applications already made..

“To tell you the truth it remains to be seen how the Attorney General decides to deal with the directive that’s in place. I can’t speak to how it affects the system and the applications that are currently underway.”

Lakshman says while Crown Counsel can stand down the issue might not be over as media outlets can still apply.

CKNW Vancouver News

Posts Related to this Article:

About The Reporter

The Reporter knows what's happening in and around Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. He reports the latest news (sometimes a bit biased) and other updates. Look to The Reporter for information about Vancouver news.