Yesterday the Quewezance sisters were in court in Yorkton, Saskatchewan to fight the Crown's intent to issue a publication ban and sealing of court records.
The reunion was bittersweet for these Indigenous sisters who met in person yesterday for the first time in 18 years. "I haven't seen her since my late father's funeral and that's almost 18 years today," Odelia said.
Crown attorney Kelly Kaip made an application for the publication ban on evidence of the hearing, noting that such bans are made daily in court. Her position was that information reported by the media could possibly influence a future jury. The Quewezance sisters' lawyer, James Lockyer of Innocence Canada, opposed the ban, noting that the media is an important tool in wrongful conviction cases and that the public is entitled to know things as they happen with regard to such cases. He was also "troubled by what appears to be a patronizing position by the crown". APTN and CBC lawyers also provided rebuttals.
Even though the Crown at one point even pushed for a ban on yesterday's proceedings, Justice Donald Layh ultimately decided on a "temporary interim publication ban" on written materials filed only since September 2022. He didn't find what was discussed in court yesterday as evidentiary. In fact, Justice Layh thought it was an unusual request from the Crown.
"I would like to have the media there for everybody to know," said Odelia. "Me and my sister were wrongfully convicted, spent 30 years of our lives in prison. Even animals don't get locked up like that."
The CCRB federal review can take upwards of two years to complete, and has the ability to order a new trial, refer the case to the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal, or quash the convictions by recommending a pardon. These women deserve publicity during this time! It's only fair that the public be able to scrutinize the merits of the case and have complete transparency. Open courts and having freedom of the press are critical in determining the effectiveness of our justice system.
Justice Layh reserved his decision until next week.
In the meantime, please continue to put pressure on the Saskatchewan Justice Minister, Bronwyn Eyre, who in legislature yesterday was asked if she supports the federal review of this matter, and if the Province would cooperate with federal officials - she didn't answer the question.
Minister of Justice - Bronwyn Eyre
Phone: 306-787-5353
Email: jus.minister@gov.sk.ca
Thank you again for your support!
Nicole
Lead Criminal Consultant N.A .PORTER & ASSOCIATES
*photo credit APTN News