TORONTO -- An American court has fined former media baron Conrad Black $6.1 million for violating securities laws. The fine relates to Black's tenure at Hollinger International Inc. based in Chicago.

In his judgment earlier this month, Judge William Hart of the District Court for the Northern District of Illinois blasted Black as "intransigent."

Hart was especially unhappy with Black's denunciation of the courts and justice system in a book he has written. Black, who spent three years in prison for fraud and obstruction of justice, has requested a stay of the judgment while he appeals related convictions.

Also today, Black lost his bid to make a pitch in person to the council considering recommending he lose his Order of Canada honour.

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