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
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
RCMP not investigating possible foreign interference cases related to Chiu, Dong: Duheme
Canada's federal police force is not investigating any possible instances of foreign interference in the cases of former Conservative MP Kenny Chiu and Liberal-turned-Independent MP Han Dong, RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme says.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
Stormy Daniels took the witness stand Tuesday at Donald Trump's hush money trial, describing for jurors a sexual encounter the porn actor says she had with him in 2006 that resulted in her being paid off to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
Bye-bye bag fee: Calgary repeals single-use bylaw
A Calgary bylaw requiring businesses to charge a minimum bag fee and only provide single-use items when requested has officially been tossed.
Air France flight from Paris to Seattle lands in Iqaluit after heat smell in cabin
A plane travelling from Paris to Seattle was forced to make an emergency landing in Iqaluit after there was a heat smell in the cabin during the flight.
CFL suspends Argos QB Chad Kelly at least nine games following investigation
The CFL suspended Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly for at least nine regular-season games Tuesday following its investigation into a lawsuit filed by a former strength-and-conditioning coach against both the player and club.
Boy Scouts of America changing name for first time in 114 years, aiming for inclusivity
The Boy Scouts of America is changing its name for the first time in its 114-year history and will become Scouting America. It's a significant shift as the organization emerges from bankruptcy following a flood of sexual abuse claims and seeks to focus on inclusion.
Federal government grants B.C.'s request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces
The federal government is granting British Columbia's request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces, nearly two weeks after the province asked to end its pilot project early over concerns of public drug use.
opinion Tom Mulcair: Trudeau's handling of Poilievre's 'wacko' House turfing a clear sign of Liberal desperation
When Speaker Greg Fergus tossed out Pierre Poilievre from the House last week, "those of us who have experience as parliamentarians simply couldn't believe our eyes," writes former NDP leader Tom Mulcair in his column for CTVNews.ca