Forcing News Outlet To Turn Over Source Materials 'Dangerous,' Court Told

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 01 Mar, 2016 11:55 AM

TORONTO — A media lawyer is arguing that forcing a news outlet to turn over materials used for stories on a suspected terrorist would set a dangerous precedent.

Iain MacKinnon tells Ontario Superior Court that RCMP were on a sweeping fishing expedition when they asked Vice Media and its reporter for its records.

The materials relate to stories the online news outlet published in 2014 after interviews with Farah Shirdon, of Calgary, who has made threats publicly against Canada and the U.S.

In September, RCMP charged the Toronto-born Shirdon, 22, believed to be in the Middle East, with terrorism-related offences.

Police say they need the Vice materials as possible evidence against him.

MacKinnon says if Vice is forced to comply, it could undermine the media's ability to report on matters of public interest.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Kelowna B.C. Gymnastics Coach Charged With Making Child Porn, Four Other Sex Charges

Angelo Despotas, who coached trampoline at a gymnastics club in the city, allegedly made video recordings of seven girls, ages eight to 17, in the facility's women's washroom.

Kelowna B.C. Gymnastics Coach Charged With Making Child Porn, Four Other Sex Charges

Machete-Attack Hero Describes Eastern College Classroom Battle: 'He Was Swinging To Kill'

James Raoul was among about 15 students in an Eastern College criminology class around 8:30 a.m. on Jan. 20, 2014, when fellow student Luke Powers arrived late.

Machete-Attack Hero Describes Eastern College Classroom Battle: 'He Was Swinging To Kill'

Phone Scammers Offering Fake English Lessons Swindle Syrian Refugees In New Brunswick

A family of Syrian refugees in New Brunswick has lost about $400 after falling prey to a phone scam offering lessons to teach the English language.

Phone Scammers Offering Fake English Lessons Swindle Syrian Refugees In New Brunswick

No Plans To Undo Conservative Cuts To Military Spending, Says Harjit Sajjan

Sajjan was reacting to a fresh batch of numbers detailing spending cuts from four years ago, released today by the Liberal government in response to a long-standing and disputed request by the parliamentary budget office.

No Plans To Undo Conservative Cuts To Military Spending, Says Harjit Sajjan

Agriculture Canada's Annual Outlook Sees Farm Income Growing To Record Levels

The department says in its annual farm outlook that net cash income in 2015 reached $15 billion, an estimated six per cent increase over 2014.

Agriculture Canada's Annual Outlook Sees Farm Income Growing To Record Levels

Outcry, No Charges 19 Months After 'Horrifying' Animal-Cruelty Video From Chilliwack Dairy Farm

In June 2014, the B.C. SPCA recommended animal-cruelty charges against Chilliwack Cattle Sales after receiving graphic video of cows being kicked, punched and beaten with rods.