64-year old Romeo Phillion was freed on $50,000 bail while Canada's Minister of Justice reviews his 1972 murder conviction, in a precedent-setting decision in the Ontario Superior Court in Toronto on July 21, 2003.
Producer: CKLN News Uploaded by:
On July 21 Romeo Phillion walked out of a Toronto courtroom after 31 years in prison. He was convicted in 1972 for a murder he says he did not commit.
Justice Minister Martin Cauchon is reviewing the case against Mr. Phillion, according to a procedure that allows for review of cases after all appeals are exhausted if there is a chance that a grave miscarriage of justice has occured. Based on that review, the Minister could decide to order another appeal or a new trial altogether. Mr. Phillion's legal team and family are convinced that if all the evidence available were entered into a court of law, the conviction would be overturned.
Meanwhile, he has been released on bail while the case is being reviewed. This is the first time in Canadian history that a person has been released in this situation. Judge David Watt of the Superior Court of Justice found that to continue Mr . Phillion's incarceration, when there are such serious questions being raised about his conviction, violates his Charter rights and also common law principles.
1 - 0721phillion1.mp3 - Just a few seconds of Romeo Phillion's reaction outside the University Avenue Courthouse.
2 - 0721lockyer1.mp3 - Lawyer James Lockyer makes a few comments about the possible impact for other wrongfully convicted people.
3 - 0721lockyer2.mp3 - James Lockyer goes over the basic facts of the case at a press conference held immediately after Mr. Phillion's release. There are some questions from reporters.
4 - 0721romeophillion.mp3 - Romeo Phillion reacts to his release and describes his approach to the future.
5 - 0721simonnesnowdon.mp3 - Simonne Snowdon, Romeo Phillion's sister, describes her role in her brother's release and her reaction.
6 - 0721snowdons.mp3 - Don Snowdon (Phillion's brother in law) and his son Derek Snowdon comment on the decision as they wait for the release.
7 - 0721annamartin.mp3 - One student who worked on the case comments.
![<?php echo $config['site_title']; ?>](/static/images/rp-navimg.gif)
![Support the <?php echo $config['site_title']; ?>](/static/images/support.png)
