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MAC BLO'S VIDEO EVIDENCE TAMPERED WITH

Justice Maczko in a Victoria courtroom today, accepted an application made
by defense lawyers for the Clayoquot protesters, to allow experts to
examine videotapes entered as evidence against them by the Crown counsel. 
The vido tapes, which were shot by employees of Macmillan Bloedel (MB),
show protesters participating in blockades at Kennedy River Logging Road
near Tofino.

Defense lawyer, Paul Hundal, noticed discrepancies in a video used as
evidence in a previous trial presided over by Justice Mackenzie.  Mr.
Hundal states, "Taped evidence is supposed to show continuous time and the
time codes on the tapes that were presented to Justice Mackenzie were
reversed, indicating the tapes had been edited or otherwise tampered with."

Lorne Dixon, security coordinator for MB, argued that the discrepancies in
the video tape were an error - that he had accidently taped over a portion
of the tape.  Justice Mackenzie accepted Mr. Dixon's explantion and flatly
refused to allow an expert to examine the tapes.

Mr. Hundal states that, "Video evidence must be unedited, and our position
is that if the tape was edited, even if it was accidental, it still
effects the integrity of the evidence."  Mr. Hundal went on to say, "It's
possible that there was something on the tape that MB didn't want the
court to see because it could reveal some abuse of process on their part."

Mr. Hundal doesn't know if the tapes being presented in the current trial
have been tampered with but argues that, "It is my right to scrutinize any
evidence being used against Clayoquot protesters facing criminal contempt
of court charges.  Mr. Hundal states, "If the tapes are thrown out because
they have been tampered with there is strong chance the protesters will be
acquitted."

For more information contact Jill Thomas 383-7130