Three years ago, a mixture of fear and relief coursed through our nation when we learned the RCMP saved countless Canadians from a terrorist attack plotted by al-Qaida sympathizers.
The self-radicalized couple placed pressure cooker bombs near the provincial legislature in Victoria on Canada Day. They seemed monstrous, but like any movie monster, they had a creator.
“The world has enough terrorists. We do not need the police to create more,” B.C. Supreme Court Justice Catherine Bruce said in her ruling, handed down last Friday.
According to Bruce, the RCMP manufactured the plot after using a Mr. Big sting to incite two impoverished, drug-addled Surrey residents – neither of whom seemed overly burdened with brilliance.
One of the accused had expounded on plans to hijack a nuclear submarine and hack into and topple the Israeli government’s computers.
Instead of facing a life sentence in prison, John Nuttall and Amanda Korody are free, pending an appeal.
As the fear of terrorism escalates, their case is a stark reminder of how precious the rule of law is and must continue to be in Canada. The judgment may be criticized, but we believe forfeiting judicial oversight in times of danger is akin to a soldier shedding his possessions while fleeing the battlefield. In short, the act of a coward.
However, while the police may have resorted to entrapment, it’s important to note the incredibly violent rhetoric that propelled their investigation. Addiction, poverty, and ignorance are fertile ground where the ugliest propaganda prospers. The RCMP spent approximately $900,000 on overtime and involved 240 officers in the case. If a few of those resources had gone towards drug counselling, job training or education we might have all benefitted.
– guest editorial courtesy of the North Shore News
