National

Lawyers oppose release of murder conviction assessment in Nova Scotia case

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 14 Oct, 2014 10:31 AM

HALIFAX - The lawyer for a Nova Scotia man whose murder conviction is being reviewed by Ottawa argued in court today against a media application for the release of a preliminary assessment of the case.

Glen Eugene Assoun was sentenced to life in 1999 for stabbing his former girlfriend, but he has always maintained his innocence.

The federal Justice Department says a recently completed preliminary assessment shows there may have been a miscarriage of justice in the case and federal lawyers will conduct an in-depth investigation.

Philip Campbell, Assoun's lawyer, and Patricia MacPhee, a federal Justice Department lawyer, told a Nova Scotia Supreme Court judge the material was preliminary and is protected under federal privacy law and should remain sealed.

Campbell said he hopes to use the preliminary assessment in a bail hearing next month for Assoun with the understanding there would be a publication ban on its contents.

Media lawyer Alan Parish, representing the CBC, says an edited version of the preliminary assessment could be made public.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Ontario won't work with Border Services Agency on safety blitzes after arrests

TORONTO - The Ontario government is immediately ending joint road safety blitzes with the Canada Border Services Agency because the feds used one to arrest undocumented workers.

Ontario won't work with Border Services Agency on safety blitzes after arrests

Nobel winner still awaiting honorary citizenship

OTTAWA - A young Pakistani education activist who shared this year's Nobel Peace prize still awaits the honorary Canadian citizenship promised to her last year.

Nobel winner still awaiting honorary citizenship

Baloney Meter: Does Canada have falling GHG emissions in a growing economy?

OTTAWA - "Under our government, we have lowered greenhouse gas emissions and, at the same time, been able to grow the economy." — Prime Minister Stephen Harper in the House of Commons, Oct. 7.

Baloney Meter: Does Canada have falling GHG emissions in a growing economy?

Climate change forcing fish stocks north: study

A study has found that climate change is forcing hundreds of commercially valuable fish stocks north.

Climate change forcing fish stocks north: study

Conrad Black testifies he's had 'no alternative' but to fight to clear his name

TORONTO - Conrad Black told Canada's largest securities regulator Friday that he's had "no alternative" but to fight to clear his name of allegations and U.S. criminal convictions that he considers illegitimate.

Conrad Black testifies he's had 'no alternative' but to fight to clear his name

Canada and the world losing out because of global trade stalemate: WTO director

TORONTO - The head of the powerful World Trade Organization says countries around the planet, including Canada, are missing out on the benefits of a stalled global deal to boost international trade.