Vancouver Mayor Slams 2010 Security

‘Vancouver is a free-speech zone’
The Province | Jul 10, 2009, By Damian Inwood

Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson says he’s concerned about the intimidation of activists by Olympic security cops.

And he’s hitting out at the “Orwellian” label of “free-speech zones” for protesters during the 2010 Winter Games.

“I am concerned about the intimidation that the activists have felt, related to the [Vancouver 2010 Integrated Security Unit's] activity and questioning,” Robertson said at a city council meeting yesterday.

“I think there are more appropriate ways to conduct those conversations and communications.”

Council voted to write letters to senior levels of government, Vancouver 2010 and the ISU, asking they “publicly reaffirm their commitment to the security of the person and freedom of expression in light of recent concerns about intimidation” during the lead-up to the Olympics.

The move follows complaints from 20 people who claim they were approached by plainclothes police at home, at work and on the street, and whose neighbours were questioned about them.

“I think there are more appropriate ways to conduct those conversations and communications,” said Robertson.

“We do need to be vigilant that civil liberties are guaranteed throughout.”
Robertson supports concerns over ISU plans to set up “free-speech zones” for Olympic protesters.

Calling it an “Orwellian” label, he said: “Vancouver is a free-speech zone and we will ensure . . . that we maintain that status and work closely with the ISU to make sure that they are not overstepping bounds.”

Chris Shaw, spokesman for 2010 Watch, accused council of passing a “wishy-washy, motherhood-and-apple-pie” motion supporting the Charter of Rights.
He said council should be telling, not asking, city police what they’ll do during the Games.

ISU officials couldn’t be reached for comment.