Amnesty International Evaluates ‘Prisoners of Conscience’ Status for BC Pipeline Opponents: What It Means for Environmental Activism

A British Columbia court has upheld the convictions of three pipeline protesters, but their sentences will be reduced due to police misconduct during their arrests. The decision came down on February 18, when Supreme Court Justice Michael Tammen found Sleydo’, Shaylynn Sampson, and Corey Jocko guilty of blocking access to a Coastal GasLink work camp near Houston.

In a recent court hearing, Justice Tammen decided to lower their sentences after acknowledging that police made racist comments during the arrest. The maximum penalty for criminal contempt is five years in prison, but the specific sentencing will be determined on April 3.

Amnesty International is closely watching this case. They are considering these protesters for prisoner-of-conscience status, a label given to those imprisoned for their beliefs or peaceful actions. If the sentences are deemed arbitrary, Amnesty will call for their immediate release.

“We welcome Justice Tammen’s strong disapproval of the racist treatment these individuals faced,” said Ketty Nivyabandi, Secretary General of Amnesty International Canada’s English-speaking section. “However, we must address the ongoing systemic racism that targets Indigenous land defenders. It’s crucial that Canada protect those who stand up for their rights and our environment.”

Amnesty defines a prisoner of conscience as someone imprisoned solely for their beliefs, identity, or peaceful actions. They advocate for the immediate release of anyone in this category. This is significant because Amnesty has only made this designation once before in Canada.

Last year, they recognized Chief Dsta’hyl (Adam Gagnon), a leader of the Witsuwit’en Nation, as Canada’s first prisoner of conscience. He was sentenced to house arrest for blocking pipeline construction. The ongoing situation highlights the importance of understanding and addressing the treatment of Indigenous activists in Canada.

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