Olympic opponents threaten legal action

JEFF HODSON/METRO VANCOUVER

David Eby, acting executive director of B.C. Civil Liberties Association, speaks at a protest at the Olympic Countdown Clock in Vancouver yesterday.

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Published: June 25, 2009 5:22 a.m.

Last modified: June 25, 2009 2:26 a.m.

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Anti-Olympic activists are warning the RCMP-led Vancouver 2010 Integrated Security Unit of legal action for what they describe as “abusive treatment and unlawful harassment.”

In a June 11 letter to RCMP Assistant Commissioner Bud Mercer, lawyer Jason Gratl alleges that 11 members of the Olympic Resistance Network suffered abusive conduct aimed at discouraging them from anti-Olympic political activity.

He called it an infringement on their rights to free expression, free association and privacy.

In a small protest beside the Olympic Countdown Clock yesterday, ORN member Cara Fisher claimed officers disrupted her neighbours, asking them where she lived, worked and frequented.

RCMP Cpl. Bert Paquet, a spokesman for the VISU, said the allegations came as a surprise, but were being investigated.

He said the unit is gathering intelligence, which includes speaking with activists, to ensure the Games are safe for everyone.

“We respect the right to protest, but … the rest of the Canadian population has the right to enjoy the Olympics in a peaceful and safe manner."

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