By Canadian Press

Amnesty International names Wet’suwet’en chief Canada’s fist prisoner of conscience

Jul 31, 2024 | 9:51 AM

OTTAWA — Amnesty International is calling for the release of a First Nations chief who was convicted of criminal contempt, and is calling him Canada’s first prisoner of conscience.

Chief Dsta’hyl, who represents one of the clans within the Wet’suwet’en Nation, also goes by the name Adam Gagnon.

He was arrested in 2021 for breaching a court order not to impede construction of the Coastal GasLink liquefied natural gas pipeline, and is currently confined to house arrest.

Amnesty argues this amounts to unjust confinement of the chief and others who defend their land and rights during a climate emergency.

The group says the court order is unjust because it bans activities that should be protected under the Charter right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.

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This is the first time Amnesty International has recognized a prisoner of conscience within Canada, and it is seeking his “immediate and unconditional release.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 31, 2024.

The Canadian Press