Arthur Topham has been arrested, his house searched and personal documentation seized after it was determined there were “reasonable grounds the offence of promotion of hatred was committed.”
“He was arrested in his car as he was leaving his property,” Topham’s defence lawyer Doug Christie said.
“He was then incarcerated for the day (May 16) while officers searched his home.”
A copy of the search warrant, obtained by the Observer states:
“There are reasonable grounds for believing that the following items will afford evidence of the offences:
• Computer, laptop, smartphone, or device that accesses the Internet and is capable of uploading and downloading information, and all their peripheral equipment, computer discs, drives or storage devices which could be used to store information; and
• Billing records, receipts and correspondence with ABC Communications and Netforms and correspondence in the form of mail or physical documents directed to Radical Press.
The alleged offence falls under section 319(2) of the Criminal Code: Willful promotion of hatred.
“I’m not sure what group or person is the alleged victim,” Christie said, adding that information would be provided in the indictment.
“It’s all speculation until the indictment is available.”
Christie is the founder and general counsel of the Canadian Free Speech League and is best known for defending individuals accused of racist activity.
The search warrant and arrest were executed by New Westminster Police Services, British Columbia Hate Crime Team.
Topham is prohibited from accessing the Internet, his next court appearance is Oct. 9.