By Canadian Press

Minassian lawyer seeks publication ban on client’s statement to police

Jul 11, 2019 | 6:10 PM

TORONTO — The lawyer for a man accused of killing ten people by driving a van down a busy Toronto sidewalk has asked a judge to prevent the publication of his client’s statement to police.

Boris Bytensky argued to have Alek Minassian’s statement placed under a publication ban until the man’s trial is complete, even if it comes up during the proceedings.

Superior Court Justice Anne Molloy described the request as asking to hold a secret trial.

Minassian faces 10 counts of first-degree murder and 16 counts of attempted murder. He is set to stand trial before a judge alone next year.

Several media outlets, including The Canadian Press, are arguing against Bytensky’s request for the publication ban on Minassian’s statement to police. 

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Adopt-A-Rink program still seeking volunteers

3h ago

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner

Dec 06, 2024

IN THE COMMUNITY

CHAT News producer makes 'emotional' return to Medicine Hat's old arena

Dec 06, 2024

Bytensky has argued that publishing the details would taint potential witnesses at trial, a position supported by the Crown.

But a lawyer for the media outlets says there is no evidence to support that argument and has cited the open-courts principle in arguing against the ban.

Molloy has reserved her decision on the matter until Aug. 16.

The Canadian Press