In the run up to the Olympics, the most readily identifiable presence on Vancouver streets has surely been the wayward, map-toting tourist. VANOC volunteers, with their visually assaulting, HBC sponsored blue work out suits, likely earn a close second place.
However, once the games got underway, another colour punctuated the streets, finding its way into the scene of nearly every demonstration, police presence and activist camp out taking place in Vancouver proper.
The B.C. Civil Liberties Association’s legal observer program has dispatched orange-shirted volunteers to watch over any interaction between police, activists and civilians (except, to the dismay of many, Saturday’s miniature riot).
Documenting police activity through notes, photographs and video, the observers say they hope to be the watchful eye that ensures a safe, peaceful and legal Olympics experience for committed activists and protestors in the face of a massive police force with a billion dollar budget.”
Tyee reporter Justin Langille hooked up with a duo of observers to find out what’s happening on the ground the night after a tent city encampment was established on Hastings Street this week.
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W Laurier
2 years ago
Just make sure...
Just make sure that if there is a violent protest to make sure the "observers" are call off by the mob's toady, David Eby.
IranianDude
2 years ago
Thank you Mr Eby
Mr Eby, this city is grateful for all your hard and meaningful work. My hats off to the volunteers as well.
I feel sad and sorry for VANOC volunteers however for their misguided efforts and the time they put in this nefarious corporate orgy.
Dan the socialist
2 years ago
Another 8 days and this
Another 8 days and this party for the elite, politicians and well connected will be over, I can hardly wait...
leftofcentre
2 years ago
BCCLA needs to serve the rights of everyone....
Civil rights are for everyone in this country and the BCCLA failed in it's duty miserably last week when they refused to turn up at a demonstration they had advance warning of, and knew would likely turn violent. As lawyers, they also failed in their legal obligation to inform police of their knowledge that a crime was about to be committed.
These "legal observers" set up under David Eby's leadership could have been effective if they were out to protect everyone's rights equally and without political bias. But since last week's debacle, they are now the target of public scorn and lack any credibility or accountability.
Until the BCCLA has new, more inclusive leadership, anything they do from here on in will be tainted with political bias.
W Laurier
2 years ago
Correct
leftofcentre, I agree with you 100%. Eby's credibility is shot, kaput, done. He has moved the BCCLU into an anti-poverty group. Sure, there is a real need for advocacy for the disadvantaged, but there are already a myriad of groups doing so. Moving the BCCLU away from real civil rights issues such as Charter violations has simple removed the BCCLU from their mandate.
David Eby: resign! You are accountable to nobody and you have lost your credibility.