We have an interesting story unfolding here in New Brunswick about a blogger, Charles LeBlanc, who attended a conference, observed a protest and wound up being attacked and charged by the police. First of all, I’m not a political blogger or even attempt to be a journalist. As any online writer knows, there’s more than one kind of blogger in the world.
This story is interesting for a number of reasons:
- The police used Mr. Leblanc’s blog to do research prior to the conference, so they knew who he was, but the arresting officer said in court that he had no idea what a blog is.
- The police say that they didn’t recognize Mr. LeBlanc as a media person and that he was too scruffy.
- The police deleted evidence from Mr. Leblanc’s camera.
- The judge is not amused with the police actions.
Personally, I don’t know if Mr. LeBlanc is a good journalist or not, as I don’t read his blog. However, the mainstream media seem to be using the term blogger in a pejorative sense, though it is not for them to decide what constitutes a journalist. Neither is it up to the police to decide what constitutes journalism in our society. As the Internet blurs traditional lines of work and authority, I’m sure that we’ll see more confusion when hierarchy meets wirearchy, and media clash. I also wonder how this will affect our educational institutions, especially the schools of journalism.
Michael Geist has more on the legal aspects of this case.
I believe the police officer’s comment referred not only to Mr. LeBlanc’s “scruffiness” but also his lack of a “professional-looking” digital camera. Now, I don’t know what kind of camera he uses, but I’ll assume it is a simple point-and-shoot model which, of course, is a far-cry from the type of camera a professional photographer or photojournalist would use.
Oddly, I have been on the other end of the equation. Although I have never been present for or attempted to photograph a protest or demonstration, I have photographed public events. My camera, in particular the large, white, professional-model lens I use, creates the assumption that I am indeed a professional photographer/photojournalist. I have actually had crowds part or create openings to allow me to get “closer to the action” and I know that has occurred based on incorrect assumptions about my professional standing.
What we have, then, is nothing more than a reinforcement of stereotype based entirely on [prejudicial] assumptions. To see that type of profiling being used by the police is somewhat unnerving, to say the least.
Before we make an incorrect assumption about the police officer’s thought processes, we must ask whether or not any professional journalists or photographers present for the demonstrations were also “harrassed.” The answer seems to be “no,” especially since a CBC film crew apparently filmed the event, including Mr. LeBlanc’s arrest, without any hindrance or obstruction by the police (their film was used as evidence by the judge and strongly favoured Mr. LeBlanc’s version of events).
So, we return to the question about who has the right to observe and record public events, especially protests and especially the manner in which the police handle or react to such events. If the answer is “accredited traditional media only,” the issue, in my opinion, is not a question of mainstream vs. online or non-traditional media (read: bloggers). Instead, it is a question of the average citizen’s right to be present at such events as observers and non-participants. It is also a question of the public’s ability to act as a “conscience” where the actions of law-enforcement and other government officials are concerned. If the public does not have those rights than we must, to some degree, question our freedom and our level of democracy.
You are absolutely correct, Brikwall, this is about our Charter right of freedom of movement. Thanks for the clearly articulated comment.