Montreal Femen activist acquitted on charges related to Grand Prix protest
MONTREAL — A judge has acquitted a Montreal member of a women’s rights group who was accused of mischief and disturbing the peace stemming from a protest at the city’s Grand Prix festivities in 2015.
The group Femen said the charges against Neda Topaloski were the first to make it to trial in Canada against the international feminist organization known for its topless protests around the globe.
With regard to the two counts of mischief, defence lawyer Veronique Robert said Tuesday the judge ruled there was reasonable doubt about who caused the $2,500 in damage to a racing car at a street festival in downtown Montreal in June 2015.
As for the charge of disturbing the peace, the judge recognized the activist’s right to protest at the Formula One event, she added.