Inquiry examining Taser use, Dziekanski’s death begins Monday May 5th, 2008

A two-phase public inquiry into the use of Tasers by police and the death of Polish immigrant Robert Dziekanski begins Monday May 5 th in Vancouver.

The first phase of the inquiry will focus on the medical and scientific aspects of the stun gun’s use.

The second phase of the inquiry will focus on Dziekanski, who died in the arrivals lounge of Vancouver International Airport on Oct. 14, 2007, shortly after RCMP officers used a stun gun on him.

The two-phase inquiry may result in restrictions on the use of Tasers by municipal police forces — but not by the RCMP. The inquiry has no jurisdiction over the RCMP because the force is federally regulated.

Source: cbc.ca

THE SHOCK OF THE TASER

http://video.yahoo.com/watch/1979673 - part 1

http://video.yahoo.com/watch/1984353/6386384 - part 2

 http://video.yahoo.com/watch/1979673/6385462 - part 3

Robert Dziekanski History – Part A (Polish TV raport)
http://www.poloniablog.com/profiles/blog/show?id=557666%3ABlogPost%3A9281

Robert Dziekanski History – Part B (Polish TV raport)
http://www.poloniablog.com/profiles/blog/show?id=557666%3ABlogPost%3A9283

Short Documentary film by Journeyman Pictures

http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=IYV9UDhc0k4

Polish prosecutors may visit B.C. for taser probe

Polish prosecutors investigating the possibility Robert Dziekanski died due to an “abnormal intervention” by the RCMP may come to British Columbia as part of their probe.

It is not clear on whether Polish prosecutors are intent on actually laying charges against the Mounties involved in the case.

 Source: Globe and Mail

YouTube parody of Dziekanski death triggers controversy

A YouTube video parodying the death of Polish immigrant Robert Dziekanski has drawn censure from the RCMP and criticism from some in the Polish community.

The video, posted Dec. 23 and titled “Mega Man vs. Polish immigrant,” shows an early version of hit Nintendo video game character Mega Man zapping to death another game character superimposed with Dziekanski’s face.

Source: National Post

Christmas Greetings

Best Christmas wishes to Mrs. Zofia Cisowski and all contributors of this blog. Your compassion is precious. Thank you for your support for her.

Shock of a Lifetime

Joan Leishman reports for CBC-TV. (Runs 17:27)

Letter to BCCLA

Until this very day, we witness arrogance of the RCMP and their efforts to manipulate and divert attention by investigating Robert’s life in Poland. In addition, we find it totally unacceptable that they focus their attention on those who oppose their actions and are involved in a struggle for a better Canada, namely protecting our country from police abuse and police state actions.

Therefore, we are committed to the following actions which we present to you in priority of events which have to take place

1. Provincial and/or Federal governments must cover all legal expenses for Zofia Cisowski in her battle with agencies involved in her son’s death and her pursuit of justice.

2. All four RCMP officers responsible for Robert’s death should be immediately removed from the force, investigated by an independently by a special prosecutor for possible criminal charges of criminal negligence causing death.

3. All RCMP leaders and spokespersons involved in cover-up and dissemination of misleading information should be suspended immediately.

4. RCMP should apologize to Zofia Cisowski for her son’s death and the Canadian public for their conduct.

5. YVR authorities, including Mr. Berg and his deputies, should be suspended immediately.

 Read the full letter here

Media Advisory from Consul General of Poland in Vancouver

As a Foreign Consul I will not and can not comment on Canadian internal regulations. I am interested in them however as far as they concern the security and safety of Polish citizens, both residing in this country and coming to Canada. For obvious reason Poland want her citizens to feel save and secure, so I welcome any changes relating to any improvement in that field. Changes that will prevent senseless loss of Human life.

The recent tragic death of  Robert Dziekanski at the Vancouver International Airport was a shock to all of us, not only Poles but Canadians as well. I would like to thank all individuals and organisations whose letters of support and sympathy I received and whose actions proved that there is a great concern for civil rights and liberties of common people. In particular I would like to give thanks to Canadian Civil Rights Movement for all the efforts taken together with British Columbia Civil Liberties Association.

You can contact CCRM by calling Mr Zygmunt Riddle 604 868 7070
 
Consul General Maciej Krych
Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Vancouver
1177 West Hastings Street, Suite 1600,Vancouver, B. C. V6E 2K3
Phone: (0-01604) 6883-530, 6884-730; fax 6883-537

CPC Chair Submits Interim Taser Report

“The most powerful asset in a police officer’s arsenal is public support. Anything that erodes that support reduces the ability of officers to successfully perform their duties on behalf of the public,” said Mr. Kennedy. “Because of this dynamic relationship, effective policing policies are critical to ensuring public confidence in the accountability of both individual members and the RCMP as a whole.”

Source: Commission for Public Complaints Against the RCMP