Student leader to appeal contempt conviction

In September, Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois told channel RDI that it's legitimate for students to take the necessary
 means to respect the democratic choice that was made to go on strike. (The Canadian Press)

Quebec's college teachers' federation is joining the growing support for one of the student leaders who was convicted for contempt of court Thursday.

Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois, former spokesman for the more militant student association CLASSE and a major player in last summer's student protests, was found guilty in court Thursday.

The judge ruled Nadeau encouraged protestors to ignore court orders, asking them to form picket lines and stop students who had obtained court injunctions to return to class.

"Despite recognizing Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois' exceptional social engagement, we wish to put value on the freedom of expression the association's spokesman used in defending decisions made in a democratic manner by its members," said Mario Beauchemin, president of the college teachers' federation.



Students protest in solidarity with CLASSE spokesperson

Nadeau-Dubois thanked those that took to the streets of Montreal last night in solidarity with him and his cause.

About 100 protesters took part in a spontaneous demonstration in his defence.

He said his decision to appeal is not just about fighting a personal battle but that the sentence sets a dangerous precendent by threatening those who speak out on behalf of the public with the fear of prison.

"With all respect for the court, I feel like, in this moment, we're looking for a scapegoat," Nadeau-Dubois said. "We're looking for someone to carry the blame for everything that happened last spring. I don't think it's anything new, I feel I've been the chosen one for a few months.

"We're avoiding the real issue, we're avoiding the real debate — that is not a judicial debate but a political debate on access to education."

Nadeau could face a year in prison and a $50,000 fine.

- CBC News