Wednesday, August 22, 2007

A Real Denial

MontebelloProvocateurs(?)
CanuckiStanMikitaVille



Regarding the apparent provocateurs at the Montebello demonstration that many have alleged might have been police.

Last night, according to Joan Bryden's CP Report, both the RCMP and the Quebec Provincial Police, issued non-denial denials.

"Neither the RCMP nor the Surete du Quebec would comment on the video or even discuss generally whether they ever use the tactic of employing agents provocateurs."



Today, the authoritarian herd seems to have split, at least according to CBC Montreal:

"The RCMP has refused to comment, while Quebec provincial police have flatly denied that its officers were involved in the incident."

Although, of course, there are still a few bumps, if you think about it for a bit, in the QPP's 'flat denial'.

Regardless, in the CBC story (not-bylined) also talked to a former police officer who apparently knows a thing or two about overseeing demonstrations:

Meanwhile, a retired Ottawa police officer formerly in charge of overseeing demonstrations for the force said after viewing the video, he questions who the masked men really are.

"Were they legitimate protesters? I don’t think so,” said Doug Kirkland.

"Well, if they weren't police, I think they might well have been working in the best interests of police."

He added that if the situation was as it appeared, he did not approve of the tactic. "It's pretty close to baiting," he said.


Pretty close?

I'd say the hook was pretty much set until Dave Coles (the fellow who shamed the bandana-wearing, rock touting, belligerent masked men into scurrying through the police line in the original video) forced them to spit it out.

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DrDawg is following developments (and blog links closely) as well.
IsTheStainSpreading to MSM????? Globe&Mail (via CP) reports on CEP/CLC presser, but gives few details (still waiting for Stageleft!); David Akin of CTV posts up the original video (but no comment on his blog yet).

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