Canada’s Star Chamber quizzes Ezra Levant over the Mohammed cartoons
posted at 4:46 pm on January 12, 2008 by Allahpundit
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The case is old but the outrage is evergreen, especially now that Mark Steyn’s facing his own thoughtcrime hearing before a similar tribunal. The Western Standard, with Levant at the helm, published the cartoons a year and a half ago; his courage was rewarded with a complaint by a radical imam seeking to coopt the west’s civil-rights machinery to silence speech critical of Islam — an increasingly familiar storyline, needless to say. Today was the hearing, which Levant celebrated by … well, just look. I recommend clicking here, starting halfway down the page with that same post, and then working your way up. He’s posted video of the proceedings, too — against the wishes of the commission, which is at least true to the spirit of the process — but if you can’t spare the time, at least read his opening statement.
This clip’s my favorite. How clean, quiet, and banal the setting is as the government politely asks a member of the press to explain his intentions. Surreal, although CJ’s adjective is better.
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Smack down of idiots. Love to know what she was writing in her notes.
BL@KBIRD on January 12, 2008 at 4:58 PM
Very true. Hannah Arendt might have some comments about that cheap-ass metal-frame pastoral painting on the wall.
see-dubya on January 12, 2008 at 5:01 PM
Damn straight, gov’t lady! Take that!
kylun on January 12, 2008 at 5:01 PM
He should have said: “Because we are a publisher and this is a free country. Or do you think this is Afghanistan, eh?”
thejackal on January 12, 2008 at 5:05 PM
We need more people here with a pair of Malkins like that.
Les in NC on January 12, 2008 at 5:10 PM
I’m reminded of a Prodigy song – “Smack My B**** Up”
fourstringfuror on January 12, 2008 at 5:14 PM
My goodness, that was the most red-blooded defense of free speech I’ve seen in my lifetime.
joewm315 on January 12, 2008 at 5:15 PM
“I published the Muhammed cartoons because it’s my bloody right to do so!”
Can we get that on a t-shirt?
This eloquent and powerful defense of freedom from tyranny is soaring and profound in its utter truthfulness. And as to the librarian-looking bureaucrat there who has summoned him. Please realize, folks, that she is the face of evil. She is tyranny wrapped in an oxford-cloth shirt and wool sweater to appear as tolerance. And there are thousands of her here in this country as well. When the last of our basic rights are stripped away, it will be done by innocuous looking bureaucrats like her and most people will believe she and her minions are well-intentioned, kind, and benevolent. They aren’t. That they believe for even a millisecond that they have the right to question one’s “intentions” in exercising his basic freedoms should tell us that they are very evil people. They are extremists. They must be challenged. They must be stopped. And that ain’t hyperbole.
Rational Thought on January 12, 2008 at 5:16 PM
He was brilliant, logical, and he had a strong case. Probably because of this he doesn’t stand a chance before any Human Rights Commission in Canada.
Here’s a little bit of a typical judgement issued by the Alberta Human Rights Commission:
“It is, in my view, nonsensical to enact … human rights legislation, to protect the dignity and human rights of Albertans, only to have it overridden by the expression of opinion in all forms”
rjjago on January 12, 2008 at 5:16 PM
The really sad thing is that the ACLU would have been on the other side of the table.
Les in NC on January 12, 2008 at 5:18 PM
Is it alright for Muslims to call Jews pigs and apes?
Call for Shira law, which is offensive enough.
When do they get hauled in front of the thought police?
Kini on January 12, 2008 at 5:20 PM
Woah. I actually got a few goose bumps near the end of that thing.
BRAVO.
Metro on January 12, 2008 at 5:20 PM
Silkscreens are fired up.
Kini on January 12, 2008 at 5:22 PM
Bloody BRILLIANT!!!!!
You go, Ezra!
tickleddragon on January 12, 2008 at 5:24 PM
I’m still laughing…
trubble on January 12, 2008 at 5:28 PM
The video of his opening statement is outstanding. Wake up Canada.
TheBigOldDog on January 12, 2008 at 5:35 PM
Thanks Ezra,
Anyone else think that this is a glimpse into our future?
sweeper on January 12, 2008 at 5:40 PM
Just finished watching all three vids posted at LGF. You go, Dude!
rmgraha on January 12, 2008 at 5:49 PM
This case never should have come to a hearing in the first place. The analysis she mentioned should have been done prior to the interrogation, not afterwards. She should know going into it exactly what questions to ask if she thought that there might actually be an indictable offense. Instead, she’s using open-ended questions, hunting for a crime. It looks like a witch hunt to me.
Bacchus on January 12, 2008 at 5:58 PM
It is my right to be offensive.
And right now, I really need to take a shower, so my wife says
Kini on January 12, 2008 at 6:00 PM
Wow. Check out all three of the videos – riveting.
This guy is sharp, passionate, and right on the money.
The sad thing is that they are probably going to rule against him regardless.
Wake up Canada indeed.
nailinmyeye on January 12, 2008 at 6:01 PM
Unfortunately, these commisions do exist in canada, and they are used against both the unpopular, and conservatives.
They are also targeting Mark Steyn, Free Dominion and a number of other people. Under section 13 of the statue, the truth isn’t a valid defense.
But, it’s to be expect from the same Liberal government that brought such hits as a constitution that doesn’t include the right to own property.
Canadian Imperialist Running Dog on January 12, 2008 at 6:08 PM
We need more Ezra Levants today – become one!
And that 5th cartoon, down, “stop, stop, we ran out of virgins” is the classic-of-all-classics cartoon!!!
Entelechy on January 12, 2008 at 6:08 PM
Please remember that those of us in Alberta (where Ezra is fighting these gov’t hacks)are quit similar to those of you who frequent this site, or many of the small “c” Conservative ones.
Eastern Canada, and some of your draft dodgers from Vietnam who live in British Columbia, are the hotbeds for anything similar to North Korea or Cuba. Your greatest export Micheal Moore (ick) comes up to these communities to fund each of his attacks on your country.
We want a Fred/Mitt ticket to help with our guy Stephan Harper, as he may be the lone Conservative in the Western Hemisphere if you guys let us down.
Western Canadian on January 12, 2008 at 6:09 PM
Oh the irony
Kini on January 12, 2008 at 6:13 PM
Where was this ezra fellah when they were deporting the holocaust denier, Ernst Zundel. He was, after all, just expressing his opinions. As distasteful as that may have been to some, I don’t see much of a difference between his case and this one. You don’t have to agree with the idiots doing the talking, but you should be ready to fight to the end for their right to do their talking…
DMeNTe on January 12, 2008 at 6:13 PM
Just in passing, where is the “irony”?
DMeNTe on January 12, 2008 at 6:14 PM
My hero!
Clark1 on January 12, 2008 at 6:20 PM
ANytiMe YOu SeE SoMEoNe WRitinG lIKE ThiS, BE ASSured HE/she iS a HaLFwiT….
ScottG on January 12, 2008 at 6:30 PM
He’s my hero now.
Capitana on January 12, 2008 at 6:32 PM
Ezra was well prepared, well spoken, and passionate about what he believes and why he believes it!
We need more men and women who are as equally courageous as Ezra!
Not only do we need them we must have them if we are to continue living in a free world as opposed to one under shari’a law.
In Texas we have a saying that goes back quite a few years
Remember the Alamo!
Different times, different adversary, same sentiment, same commitment.
Larry L. Sharp on January 12, 2008 at 6:36 PM
How absolutely shocking to see how bad this has gotten. Any conservative in Canada should start using these nitwit commissions to their advantage. The next time some muslim calls for the imposition of Sharia, they should file a complaint.
Ezra should file a complaint with the commission over THEIR violation of his rights.
And Ezra makes such incredible points, making these commissions look stunningly asinine, while she sits there lazily.
….as if she is thinking of something else, because she already has her mind (what there is of it) made up.
Stop hitting the snooze button Canadians.
91Veteran on January 12, 2008 at 6:37 PM
We get the same old tired complaints about “separation of church and state”. In broadest terms, sarcasm.
I find it ironic that the same people that guard against any hint of religion in government would defend and prosecute anyone that would point out the truth about a cult of a religion that seeks to dominate and destroy anyone who is not one of them.
You don’t see any actions taken against those that call Jews pigs and apes, or Christians infidels, and only god knows what they call the other religions. The easily offended muslims are also the first to kill in honor (children and women) and claim discrimination when the truth be told.
Irony that anyone would point that out…. eh?
Kini on January 12, 2008 at 6:40 PM
Inspiring and chilling at the same time.
He should have brought her a Burka and demand she wear it during the proceedings. She needs to understand where the road she’s heading down leads.
lodestonejames on January 12, 2008 at 6:43 PM
You are bringing back college memories. When Zundel was under attack in the mid 90’s, I mirrored his website on my personal homepage supplied by my University. I certainly did not agree with what he had to say, but I thought political correctness had to be fought. I believed then that the political correctness would end in some dark evil, though I had no clue what it would be. It was almost a decade later that I realized that dark evil is Islam.
I also want to mention that I became friends with Zundel’s assistant Ingrid. She became by Dear Abby. I told this assistant to the famed Holocaust denier about the problems in my gay relationship with my boyfriend & we just we went on being friends. It’s why we should never write people off for the political beliefs. As Ingrid could learn to accept gays, any of us can learn to be flexible in our beliefs and to learn from our experiences. To be blunt about my point, is the word RINO really that useful?
thuja on January 12, 2008 at 6:45 PM
Is it time to “liberate” Canada now?
On the other hand, maybe we need to “liberate” America first.
Browncoatone on January 12, 2008 at 6:45 PM
A very telling choice for the painting on the wall:
On one side: *Green Trees, Living Plants, Life* on the other side: *Barren lifeless soil, cessation of life*… Hmmm…a good representation for what’s going on here.
Bootleghooch on January 12, 2008 at 6:45 PM
Those who believe in free speech instead of the kangaroo court Human Rights (thought) Commissions, sign this petition please!
Sounder on January 12, 2008 at 6:45 PM
This man needs a talk show of his own on Fox News. I could listen to him every night. He’s so much more refreshing, honest, and thoughtful than O’Reilly. In fact, he IS what O”Reilly thinks HE is: authentic.
Gartrip on January 12, 2008 at 6:51 PM
Exactly and well said. Liberal fascism works overtime to take away everyones freedom to have a different point of view than their own. From Global Warming to Sharia law they will do anything and everything possible to quash any idea but their own.
Buzzy on January 12, 2008 at 6:54 PM
Dont the Clintons want to sign a law that allows US military personel to be tried before the World Court for warcrimes ?
Same kind of beaurocrats there with the same kind of logic.
William Amos on January 12, 2008 at 6:55 PM
So put that in yerrr pipe an’ smoke it!
TheSitRep on January 12, 2008 at 6:56 PM
Should I ever find myself in Alberta, I’m searching this man out and buying him a steak!
CurtZHP on January 12, 2008 at 6:58 PM
I have not read all of this closely, the gentleman gave me goosebumps, kind of reminds me of the Jimmy Stewart moview Mr what ever his name goes to Washington.
What are the consequences of him losing? He gets sent to Maximum security prison, loses everything he worked for or they ban him from computer use for the rest of his life ?
StuLongIsland on January 12, 2008 at 6:59 PM
Give em’ hell, Ezra.
Techie on January 12, 2008 at 6:59 PM
Hmmm. It is the Left that declares freedom of spech so crucial. Yet, it is the “sensitive” Left that is trying to erase that freedom.
Gatordoug on January 12, 2008 at 7:01 PM
Ezra Levant!
My hero of the Month!
Can we adopt him here in the States?
woodswalking1 on January 12, 2008 at 7:03 PM
Dude it’s Smith, how difficult is that to remember
sweeper on January 12, 2008 at 7:07 PM
Don’t forget Mark Steyn.
Kini on January 12, 2008 at 7:08 PM
PM
We can trade for him. Send The editor of the NY Times to Canada in exchange!
Gatordoug on January 12, 2008 at 7:08 PM
Hurry before Alberta bans steaks for being insensitive to cows and vegetarians
Gatordoug on January 12, 2008 at 7:09 PM
I’ll looking forward to watching the balance of this 90 min farce. I can’t think of any better education of all the aspects in play here, then this man’s spirited defense.
Spirit of 1776 on January 12, 2008 at 7:13 PM
And so it begins. Somehow the look on that woman’s face does not bode well for Mr. Levant.
peacenprosperity on January 12, 2008 at 7:16 PM
Are you suggesting a North American Trade Union?
So many muslims, so many offenses, where do I begin.
If a muslim has the right to say death to America
Then I have to right to say Pork Fat Rules Baby
Kini on January 12, 2008 at 7:16 PM
It’s just a formality. He’s already been tried, judged and convicted.
Kini on January 12, 2008 at 7:19 PM
And now the Imam who brought the complaint to the AHRC has been reading Ezra Levatt’s website where Levant refers to him as a “radical, Saudi-trained imam”, so now he wants to sue.
Sounder on January 12, 2008 at 7:26 PM
AMEN
Gatordoug on January 12, 2008 at 7:28 PM
She couldn’t be more bored and irritated at being reminded that she’s contradicting hundreds of years of western civilization just by sitting there. The thought balloon over her head says, “omigod whatevs, lol!”
Jim Treacher on January 12, 2008 at 7:31 PM
I think our Scottish airport hero and this man would probably like to meet. Good on ya!
MsUnderestimated on January 12, 2008 at 7:37 PM
By the way, who is this woman anyway?
Jim Treacher on January 12, 2008 at 7:37 PM
She’s writing “Note to self: Never challenge someone of superior intellect on camera again. Oh, and if I do, I must wear Depends.”
MsUnderestimated on January 12, 2008 at 7:38 PM
The 1960 Canadian Bill of Rights guaranteed, quote
1. “ human rights and fundamental freedoms, namely,
(c) freedom of religion; (d) freedom of speech; (e) freedom of assembly and association; and (f) freedom of the press.
In 1982, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guaranteed, quote:
2. Everyone has the following fundamental freedoms:
a) freedom of conscience and religion;
b) freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication;
MsUnderestimated on January 12, 2008 at 7:41 PM
Treach, her name is Shirlene McGovern.
MsUnderestimated on January 12, 2008 at 7:44 PM
Right, but is she a judge? A lawyer?
Jim Treacher on January 12, 2008 at 7:47 PM
Short for McGovernment no doubt….
ScottG on January 12, 2008 at 7:48 PM
Treach, I’m talking to Ezra’s dad right now, and I’m getting more information. Shirlene is not a judge, I do know that much.
MsUnderestimated on January 12, 2008 at 8:05 PM
Bravo! I abhor Canadians – but this guy gets a pass!
Is it just me or did that lady remind anybody else of Hillary?
mksmithwriter on January 12, 2008 at 8:09 PM
Wow!
He should have told her to read Orwell’s 1984 as she was forcing him to live it.
dentalque on January 12, 2008 at 8:11 PM
What have you learned???
Kini on January 12, 2008 at 8:26 PM
Looks like she is conducting an ‘investigation’. At least that is what she claims. But its quite plain by the bored look on her face that he’s already been tried and convicted.
The fact that there even is an investigation means Canada is screwed.
1984? Only about 24 years late – but true enough.
CrazyFool on January 12, 2008 at 8:38 PM
I wonder… are they compelled by law to show up for these,… inquisitions?
Kini on January 12, 2008 at 8:46 PM
This was beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!
whiskeytango on January 12, 2008 at 8:46 PM
Apparently. He says he’s there under protest. All the more reason to wonder who these people are.
Jim Treacher on January 12, 2008 at 8:51 PM
WOW, Just Wow! I had no idea this kind of crap is going on.
kahall on January 12, 2008 at 8:51 PM
Still waiting on a return email.
MsUnderestimated on January 12, 2008 at 8:53 PM
As a Canadian,I feel somewhat embrassed,this looks surreal,
and I’m glad Enza Levant is standing up to this,in my
opinion no different than an Orwellian Kangeroo court in
appearance.
In a world were in now,War on Terror is real,Islaofascists
would perfer we all pray towards Mecca,but for the love of
G!d,why O why are we allowing some Iman from afar,dictate
how American’s,Canadian’s and even the Danish will publish,
or not publish what they want in their own print media.
The more this goes on,the more are rights are been stepped
on,not from are governments that Liberal’s claim,but foreign
governments from a distance,a tune from the Eagles will sum
it up,Get over it!
canopfor on January 12, 2008 at 8:54 PM
I am cheered by this man’s defiance, but I have to wonder, this kind of stuff has been going on in Canada for years now, Canadians have sat on their backside and allowed these kind of people to take over their nation.
Its going to take a lot more than angry words to overthrow their rule.
SPQR on January 12, 2008 at 9:04 PM
That is our common future, with the Canadian HRC being replaced by the US Federal Election Commission as the official free-speech squelcher.
That is why I wish that hideous psychotic liar John McCain would finally disappear from our beautiful American landscape.
The McCain-Feingold bill he co-sponsered, and which President Bush, although he even said that he found it unconstitutional, gutlessly refused to veto as a political favor to the disloyal McCain, covers all three politicos, in my opinion, in eternal shame and disgrace.
The hell with all of them; I’m permanently leaving the Republican Party the second McCain gets the nomination.
TexasJew on January 12, 2008 at 9:04 PM
I’m not sure what qualifications she may hold, however, most HRC appointments are political.
Doing a brief google search on her name, she appears to have been a lawyer in BC practicing immigration law, until approximately 2003, when she “ceased membership in 2003 or voluntarily elected not to renew membership in the Law Society in 2004″ as a non-practicing member.
She appears to also have been involved in the Boission case, as the investigator.
Canadian Imperialist Running Dog on January 12, 2008 at 9:08 PM
Beleive me, Ezra knows that he does not stand a chance in hell of winning in front of the AHRC. He is, without doubt, waiting for the judgement and fine so he can refuse it and go through the real court system.
Jim708 on January 12, 2008 at 9:16 PM
Amen and amen!
oldleprechaun on January 12, 2008 at 10:25 PM
The Canadians and Western Europe appear to be falling to the Islamists. I hope this man will inspire his fellow Canadians to understand and fight this threat.
greenLibertarian on January 12, 2008 at 10:51 PM
Levant’s principled behavior and clear thinking give me hope for the future of civilization. Because of a LOT of bad press I had written Canada off. This display makes me so happy I was wrong.
snaggletoothie on January 12, 2008 at 11:09 PM
wake up Canada he!!..wake up America!!!!!!!!!!!!
oldernslower on January 12, 2008 at 11:24 PM
Isn’t it amazing how radical Muslims have taken an event that they planned and executed, 9/11, and turned it into something that victimizes them?
amkun on January 12, 2008 at 11:42 PM
You can now contribute to his legal defense at http://ezralevant.com. The link is in the top right hand corner.
joewm315 on January 13, 2008 at 12:13 AM
No, he won’t, because he’s unwilling to address the actual problem: Islam itself. I loved how he attacks the bureaucrat, but it’s not enough. We need to be honest about what people under the influence of Islam have been doing for the last fourteen centuries. Levant isn’t willing to be serious.
thuja on January 13, 2008 at 12:24 AM
That was incredible. I was giddy after watching it.
Clear and concise liberal butt kicking.
TDBURN on January 13, 2008 at 12:30 AM
You’re kidding, right?
Jim Treacher on January 13, 2008 at 12:32 AM
No. I’m absolutely serious. Levant keeps distinguishing between a radical Islam and Islam. But the problem is that the set of ideas called Islam are evil–totally, blackly evil. The idea of a “reasonable Islam” is nonsense. We need to face the fact that people acting under the influence of Islam have been trying murder and enslave us for the last fourteen centuries. And even if some people from Islamic countries have been decent (and I personally have had a Palestinian boyfriend), their decency in no way excuses the evil that is Islam.
And before anyone condemns me, I would remind them Syria was a Christian land and isn’t now because of the sword. The same is true of all northern Africa, Turkey, Lebanon, and to some extent Iraq.
thuja on January 13, 2008 at 1:00 AM
Excellent defense by the reporter. Though the left tries that same tactic with the right, I’ve yet to see any lib achieve it with the same eloquence.
Coronagold on January 13, 2008 at 1:05 AM
Kini, I just got off the phone with Ezra’s father. This is much bigger than we can imagine. Suffice it to say, Ezra needs all the exposure he can get on this, so I am encouraging and urging all who read this to please send people to Ezra’s site. Encourage anyone and everyone you know to try and get this story heard in the American media. There is no such thing as too many emails, too many calls… just get this story out there. If this turns out the way I hope, it will impact a lot more than just Canada.
Keep talking about Ezra and his plight… please.
MsUnderestimated on January 13, 2008 at 1:09 AM
His YouTube videos have thousands of hits each already, and the comments are overwhelmingly positive.
The videos motivated me to donate at his site, and I’m sure most people that see that red-blooded, timeless defense of free speech will feel the same way.
Ezra has a lot of new friends, and he will beat this.
joewm315 on January 13, 2008 at 1:13 AM
It’s not enough for him to mount an eloquent, unbowed defense of his basic right to free speech? He’s got to take on an entire religion?
Islam isn’t doing this to him. His own government is doing this to him, at the behest of some Islamic extremists. This “human rights commission” should have put the complaint in the round file, but I don’t see why their failure to do so puts the onus on him to take on every Muslim in the world.
Jim Treacher on January 13, 2008 at 1:19 AM
Canadistan, baby.
Yeah, it can happen here and in fact has already started.
NickTx on January 13, 2008 at 1:21 AM
He wouldnt in London
NickTx on January 13, 2008 at 1:22 AM
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