A justice of the peace erred in law when he banned Toronto barbecue restaurant owner Adam Skelly from using social media after his arrest for mischief and obstructing police during a COVID-19 lockdown protest, a Superior Court judge ruled Friday. “I find the complete ban on Mr. Skelly’s ability to use social media was simply too broad,” Justice Robert Goldstein reading his decision agreeing to Skelly’s request to alter some of his bail conditions. Freedom of expression is enshrined in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and a ban on all forms of expression was incompatible with the principle of restraint, the judge said. In November, Skelly announced on social media that as a protest against the lockdown measures he would be opening for business including offering outdoor dining. Skelly was arrested and charged with mischief in relation to a busted padlock and obstructing a peace officer.

Source: thestar January 22, 2021 21:26 UTC