The preliminary hearing for Father Linus Bastien in Windsor Ontario continues today. It is scheduled to run until Thursday, 06 March 2014.
Someone contacted me late Friday afternoon asking if the hearing had been cancelled. It was too late for me to find out – just called this morning and it has NOT been cancelled.
The trouble with preliminary hearings is that there is a publication ban on all testimony and evidence, – that means that most media outlets do not send reporters to cover the hearings because they are unable to report much of anything beyond how many are in the courtroom, the demeanor and attire of the defendant and the perhaps a little about the Crown, defense lawyer and judge and the demeanor of witnesses on the stand. Those who are interested in the charges are interested in such information, but, unfortunately, with cutbacks reporters just are rarely sent to cover these hearings.
I remind everyone again that despite publican bans these preliminary hearing are open to the public. Anyone can attend. Anyone who wishes to go to support the complainants is free to do so, and is likewise free to attend to find out what the allegations are about. I always encourage those who are free to go to do so.
Because there does not seem to be any media in attendance and hence no coverage I have no more an idea of what is or is not happening than everyone else.
Anyway, bottom line is that the Hearing continues. I again encourage those who can do so to attend, and I ask as always that you keep the complainants and their families in your prayers.
*****
For various reasons I put the Brother Marcel page on hold over the weekend. I am going to wrap it up today and hopefully have it posted by early evening (my time – Ottawa, Ontario Canada).
I encourage former students of St. Mary’s International School in Japan to speak up – if you were molested by one of the brothers, or if you witnessed sexual abuse at the school, please speak up. Post a comment here or on the Labour Dispute Forum. You can do so in anonymity.
I know that people are encouraging victims to go to Japanese police. My understanding is that because of the statute of limitations the Japanese police will be unable to investigate anything or to lay charges.
I believe there are issues here regarding the statute of limitations in Japan, and the abuse of international students by Canadians in Japan – even when that Canadian (ie, Brother John/Paul-Emile/Paul Paradis) is now residing in Canada. I am pursuing this with the hope of finding answers from someone knowledgeable whom I know, trust and respect. As soon as I know I will report back. It will probably take a few days.
Meanwhile, if anyone knows with absolute certainty what the Statute of Limitations is for sexual abuse in Japan would you please post a comment or contact me directly (cornwall@theinquiry.ca)
Enough for now,
Sylvia