A-Infos (en) Canada, HAMILTON, Anarchists call Police report comparing activism to hate crime "chilling" by Common Cause

HAMILTON- Local members of the provincial anarchist organization Common Cause fear 
Hamilton police are seeking to criminalize local organizers after a Hamilton police report 
identified the 2nd annual Hamilton Anarchist Book Fair as a potential source of hate crime 
While presenting the Year-End Hate Crime report to the Hamilton Police Board on May 19, 
acting sergeant Michael Goch stated police would be “actively monitoring” the book fair 
scheduled to take place on June 6. ---- Alex Diceanu, Ontario Treasurer of Common Cause 
responded, "As the organizers of the annual book fair, and as local anarchists and 
activists, Common Cause is deeply disturbed by these statements. ---- "This is a 
manipulation of hate crime laws to criminalize activism. At this time of economic and 
environmental crisis, alongside increasing political disengagement, activism and 
educational events such as the book fair should be encouraged, not chilled with surveillance."

The report also identifies the 2010 G8 summit (Huntsville, ON), the
2010 Olympics, “local native land reclamation issues”, “the anarchist
movement” and “anti-government and anti-establishment reaction of
economic crisis and job losses” as trends and events that “may have
significant impacts and repercussions on the Hamilton community in
terms of hate/bias related incidents.”

For the first time the report also includes incidents of graffiti
aimed at police even though this contradicts the report's own
definition of a hate crime.

Diceanu commented, "We are concerned that public resources meant to
investigate hate crimes are being focused upon people trying to
improve this community."

The Hamilton Anarchist Book Fair is not a threat to the community.

It is open to the public and family-friendly, featuring free child care
and a kid's workshop.

Over 300 people attended last year's book fair.  Activists will gather
again this year to exchange literature, stickers, buttons,
t-shirts and other forms of information. Workshops at the book fair
attempt to address issues faced by marginalized groups named in hate
crimes legislation, including indigenous peoples, racialized groups,
people facing disability barriers and others. Other workshops address the
the economic crisis, environmental justice and workplace organizing.

"Common Cause's Basic Policy states clearly that, and I quote, 'we actively
oppose all manifestations of oppression such as racism, sexism, [religious]
sectarianism and homophobia and we struggle against them.'

Indeed, anarchists have always sought to understand and end all forms of
oppression in our struggle to create a world marked by true equality,
freedom, peace, and harmony with the natural environment" says Diceanu.

For more information contact commoncauseontario@gmail.com
Related Link: http://www.linchpin.ca
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