MONTREAL/November 15, 2002—
MONTREAL/November 15, 2002 ñ Concordia University has been granted a court injunction to prevent Members of Parliament, Svend Robinson and Libby Davies, and social activist Judy Rebick from defying Concordia's moratorium on public events related to the Israel/Palestine conflict.
The injunction was granted on the basis that this moratorium was justified under the circumstances and was imposed to ensure the security of individuals and property.
The University took this step after repeated requests to cancel the event were refused by the Concordia Student Union (CSU) and the MPs. This included a legal letter ñ a mise en demeure ñ asking the CSU to respond to the University in writing. The CSU ignored the request.
ìWe are pleased with the court's decision and we trust that the CSU will respect it,î said Rector Frederick Lowy. However, the CSU's desire to break the moratorium has so far shown a total disregard for due process, since the moratorium was legally imposed by Concordia's Board of Governors, of which the CSU President is a member.î
The cooling off period was intended to allow for a gradual return to a civil debate and environment at Concordia concerning Middle East issues. In fact, certain measures have already been lifted by the University as an act of good faith.
- 30 -
