The trial of anti-sanitary measures activist François Amalega Bitondo finally began Monday at the Trois-Rivières courthouse. However, whatever the verdict, he will be released.
The fourth trial against him was originally scheduled for April 27, but had to be postponed because the accused refused to undergo rapid examination for COVID-19 and wear a mask, which poses a security risk. . prison officers and courthouse constables.
Mr. Amalega Bitondo is considered one of the leaders of the anti-vaccine movement in Quebec.
The courtroom was full of people who wanted to support him in these legal proceedings. Some were even denied access because the capacity of the room was reached. The judge also warned the people that he would not show any tolerance for any violation of court rules and expulsion awaits them if they speak out during the hearing, react strongly or refuse to wear a mask.
Protesters were also present outside the courthouse, in solidarity with the activist.
The 43-year-old accused was given some time to examine the evidence presented in court. It is that the documents first given to him, from which he took his notes, were wrong in the numerous transportation between the detention center and the courthouse for his four trials.
Judge Mathieu Poliquin offered him the possibility to postpone the hearing to another date, but the defendant has now said he is willing to proceed.
released today
François Amalega Bitondo has been imprisoned for more than 90 days. He can ask for his trial to be adjourned as well as his immediate release. The Crown prosecutor also confirmed in the courtroom that he would not object.
If convicted, the sentence handed down is less than 90-days detention. That is, whatever the verdict, he will be released now.
François Amalea Bitondo was arrested twice in three days in Mauricie in November, when the Coalition avenir Québec held its annual conference there.
First in Shawinigan, he was arrested for disturbing the peace, obstructing police work and disrespecting his probation conditions when he wanted to approach François Legault to inform him of his opposition to health measures.
Then, three days later, in Trois-Rivières, he arrived within 300 meters from the Prime Minister, in violation of his conditions of release.
However, François Amalea Bitondo was acquitted for the incidents that took place in Shawinigan at the end of his trial held on April 21.
He was also indicted in March after another trial in Laval.
Mr. Amalega Bitondo has been arrested several times and to date has amassed tickets totaling more than $ 40,000 since he refused to wear a mask in public.
Source: Radio-Canada
