Anti-mask protester who allegedly breached order to stay away from Legault denied bail
A man who allegedly breached a court order to keep his distance from Quebec Premier François Legault was denied bail Monday in a Montreal courtroom.
François Amalega-Bitondo was arrested on Jan. 16 while demonstrating outside the Radio-Canada building where Legault was giving an interview.
The Crown prosecutor had argued the 43-year-old should remain behind bars until his trial later this year since he has failed to respect his bail conditions from previous alleged offences.
Last November, he was released from jail after getting too close to the premier and was released on the condition that he stay 300 metres from Legault.
On Monday, a Superior Court judge granted the Crown’s request to deny him bail, noting his disregard for the justice system.
Amalega Bitondo has been a regular face at demonstrations against public health measures, as well as protests against the vaccine at hospitals and schools, which is a violation of a new law passed unanimously at the Quebec legislature in September.
He has so far accumulated $60,000 in fines for breaking COVID-19 rules and has vowed to never pay them.
DENYING BAIL ‘AN EXTREME MEASURE’
One legal expert said in most cases people should not be kept in jail while waiting for their trial, but there are limits under the law that would allow a judge to keep someone in custody.
“My answer is that generally speaking, bail should not be denied. And on these types of offences, even on a repeat matter, bail should not be denied,” said Julius Grey, a Montreal-based civil rights lawyer.
“However, there comes a point in which a person may be considered a danger, say to the premier or to public order, and then some measures have to be taken. Then, sooner or later if you keep disobeying these rules, you will be kept [in jail].”
Even if an accused is found not guilty of the original offence they’re charged with, they still have to obey the conditions of their release.
Grey added that this case shouldn’t have a chilling effect on people who wish to protest against the government.
“It might send a message to those who are demonstrating that if you're given conditions, then they have to be observed," he said.
"But that's all -- it shouldn't be a disincentive to manifest in your views. That's right in the Charter. You're allowed to do it."
Amalega Bitondo’s trial is expected to start in March.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition
The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says
The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned Wednesday as it published its annual report.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change
Facing pushback from physicians and businesspeople over the coming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland are standing by their plan to target Canada's highest earners.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote
The U.S. Senate has passed US$95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.