TORONTO – The hearing regarding the future of Occupy Toronto started on Friday.
The hearing was brought about by the city of Toronto after issuing an eviction notice to the protesters on Tuesday.
The eviction notice stated that Occupy Toronto protesters must immediately “stop engaging in the activities listed above [using the park between midnight and 5a.m., and using tents] and to remove immediately any tent, shelter, structure, equipment and debris from St. James Park.”
In the hearing, the Occupy Toronto lawyers argued that the actions taken by the protesters are lawful and constitute a reasonable extension of the freedom of speech rights, enshrined in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
The city's lawyers countered, saying the removal of the Occupy Toronto protesters from St. James Park would not restrict their right to free speech.
The main issue in the hearing seemed to be whether the occupation of St. James Park constitutes a reasonable extension of free speech.
The Judge also allowed a civil rights group to voice their concerns in the hearing.
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association argued on the side of the Occupy Toronto protesters. The CCLA argued that the public must face some "inconvenience" as the price for a free and functioning democracy.
Whether the judge rules that the Occupy Toronto protesters can stay or if the city has the right to evict them, will be made public on Monday. The judge is expected to release a statement, electronically, at 9a.m.
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