Rioters, protesters won't unmask themselves without a court challenge, experts predict

[Joe Shlabotnik]

OTTAWA – A new change to the Criminal Code that makes it illegal to wear a mask at a protest or riot is likely to be challenged in the courts as limiting freedom of expression, experts say.

The clause makes it a crime for a person to attend an unlawful protest “while wearing a mask or other disguise to conceal their identity without lawful excuse.” Supporters say it is one more tool to help the police maintain order, while civil liberties advocates say it tramples constitutional freedoms.

“It’s outrageous, there’s all kinds of legitimate reasons to mask your face in terms of a protest,” said Micheal Vonn, policy director with the British Columbia Civil Liberties Association.

The bill, which just passed the Senate and awaits royal assent, is similar to a bylaw in Montreal that restricts mask-wearing during protests. A challenge to the constitutionality of that bylaw is before Quebec’s Superior Court.

http://www.theprovince.com/sports/Canada+masked+protest+likely+challenged+court/8462966/story.html

A conviction under the new law can land a masked protester 10 years in prison!
Remember that benign, progressive, tolerant place called Canada, yeah so do I.

[Warpy]

1. That would be great if it unmasked the cops

I don't know what it's like in Canada, but here in the US they all dress like Robo Cop, faces completely concealed and badges pinned inside the uniform so numbers can't be noted.

You can always tell who's going to start a riot. It's the people who come dressed for one.

[Joe Shlabotnik]

2. Its similar here now too,

During the Toronto G20 protests, cops removed their name patches, and then colluded to not identify each other when brutality charges were brought against them. The G20 rioters have pretty uniformly been punished, but the cops have all gotten off Scot-free.

[sabrina 1]

3. Does that apply to Cops disguising themselves also?

Whatever happened to Canada? The neo-liberal agenda has spread across the world and so quickly.

One way to protest such a ridiculous law is for EVERYONE to wear masks.