Defence wants to hear details in corruption case (BC)

Defence wants to hear details in corruption case

MARK HUME

December 5, 2007

Vancouver -- Should defence attorneys be allowed to attend while prosecutors present secret information to the judge in a case involving alleged political corruption?

That's the question Madam Justice Elizabeth Bennett of the Supreme Court of B.C. is expected to rule on today, after hearing arguments from the defence in a closed court. Judge Bennett went behind closed doors to hear from the defence after ruling against an application brought by media lawyers who want the session held in open court.

Lawyers, including Roger McConchie, representing The Globe and Mail, CTV and The Canadian Press, had argued for openness and the public right to know.

Judge Bennett said she is aware of the high interest in the case against Udhe Singh (Dave) Basi and Bobby Singh Virk and Aneal Basi - former government employees facing fraud, money laundering and influence peddling charges. But she said that, in order not to compromise the justice system, the the Crown's presentation may have to be heard in camera.

 
 

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