Ghomeshi: Proper Venue is Criminal Court
After a month of speculation, former CBC host Jian Ghomeshi appeared in a Toronto courtroom today, charged with four counts of Sexual Assault and one count of Overcoming Resistance by Choking. These charges are extremely serious, carrying a potential life sentence. His lawyer, Marie Henein, indicated that Mr. Ghomeshi will be pleading not guilty. He was released on $100,000 bail and ordered to remain within Ontario. His next court appearance is January 8th. As we commented here earlier, we are confident that the complainants (three and counting) will be afforded respect and dignity through the court process. Publication bans and various Criminal Code provisions will protect their character and personal histories from being unjustly attacked by defence counsel. Of course, every accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and, clearly, the complainant’s evidence will be tested through vigorous cross examination. We believe, however, that the criminal court process, rather than the social media lynch mob, will ultimately reveal the truth. We believe that the criminal court will not only afford fairness to Mr. Ghomeshi, but also to the complainants.
