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
Man who set himself on fire outside Trump trial dies of injuries, police say
A man who doused himself in an accelerant and set himself on fire outside the courthouse where former U.S. President Donald Trump is on trial has died, police said.
Israeli airstrike in southern Gaza city of Rafah kills at least 9 Palestinians, including 6 children
An Israeli airstrike on a house in Gaza's southernmost city killed at least nine people, six of them children, hospital authorities said Saturday, as Israel pursued its nearly seven-month offensive in the besieged Palestinian territory.
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
The House is on the brink of approving aid for Ukraine and Israel after months of struggle
The House is preparing in a rare Saturday session to approve US$95 billion in foreign aid for Ukraine, Israel and other U.S. allies.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.