James Coates

By Canadian Press

Justice Centre says jailed Alberta pastor is to be released

Mar 17, 2021 | 10:44 AM

EDMONTON – A group that supports an Alberta pastor jailed after being charged with violating COVID-19 public-health orders says it expects him to be released in the coming days.

The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms says Crown prosecutors have dropped all but one charge against James Coates and have agreed to his release without bail conditions.

Prosecutors did not immediately return messages seeking comment.

Coates, who preaches at GraceLife Church west of Edmonton, has been in jail for a month for allegedly holding services that violated public health rules on gathering size.

He was being held because he refused to abide by a bail condition that he not lead services at the church.

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 17, 2021.

The Canadian Press