Bail granted for second activist detained for climbing Jacques-Cartier Bridge
Posted October 31, 2024 6:22 pm.
A Quebec judge granted bail for the second environmental activist detained after climbing and blocking the Jacques-Cartier Bridge in Montreal last week.
“He’s been held in detention for nine days for this non-violent act. And he took this action with Jacob Pirro. They climbed the Jacques-Cartier Bridge to demand that Canada implement a national emergency management agency and to sign the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty to end fossil fuels by 2030,” said Laura Sullivan, spokesperson for Last Generation Canada.
On Oct. 22, two activists, Olivier Huard, and Jacob Pirro, were arrested and charged with mischief and willful resistance or obstruction of a peace officer in connection to the blockade.
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On Tuesday, Pirro was released from jail, with Huard’s release expected Thursday night. They both have several conditions to follow, like not communicating with each other and not having climbing material except for work or teaching.
Supporters gathered outside the Montreal courthouse Thursday morning in solidarity with Huard and denouncing his detention.
“What we really need to see is real government action to protect the people in this country and to also end fossil fuels. So when a non-violent person such as Olivier is held in detention for no real reason, that’s why people need to show their voices to effectively show up for people who are speaking the truth about the climate crisis that is threatening everyone’s lives right now,” said Sullivan.
Another activist, Michèle Lavoie, is facing a mischief charge, for “preventing, interrupting or hindering a person in the legitimate use, enjoyment or exploitation of property” worth more than $5,000.
