An Indigenous land defender has been sentenced to 90 days in prison after performing a pipe ceremony along the Trans Mountain pipeline route in British Columbia, a source close to him told VICE World News, despite a new policy that urges prosecutors to avoid jail time for Indigenous peoples if it’s under two years.
On Tuesday, Stacy Gallagher, 58, appeared in court after being convicted last year with criminal contempt. Gallagher, along with Indigenous elder Jim Leyden, was charged after spending time along the Trans Mountain pipeline route on three separate occasions between November and December of 2019—at times performing ceremonies and always peaceful, two fellow land defenders said.
Gallagher is one of more than 200 people, many Indigenous, who have been arrested for mobilizing against the $12.6 billion pipeline. Since 2018, Trans Mountain has had an injunction that makes it illegal for people to obstruct construction along the pipeline’s route. It’s up to the company to report activities in breach of the injunction, and police to enforce it. Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart and former federal Green Party Leader Elizabeth May have been arrested for protesting it as well.
HAPPENING NOW: Vancouver Port Blockade in response to crown sentencing Indigenous Land Defender to 90 days in jail for Indigenous land defence #stopTMX #nopipelines #FreeStacyGallagher
They
are doing a teach in at 2AM, March 3rd 2021, at Clark and Hastings in so-called
Vancouver, and are requesting as many people come as possible. Remembering, of course, to wear a mask and practice distancing.
The
teach in will cover topics like blockades, allyship, and anti-police
terror. Bring a blankets, chairs, snacks, and a friend. they can always use more firewood, food, water, and blankets too!
we are still out here as of 11:15 AM March 3rd. We are awaiting word on Stacy Gallagher’s bail hearing. come join us!!
Update 7:28 PM March 3 2021: two BIPOC youth were arrested by VPD, jail support needed at 265 East Cordova.
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