The
Comic Book Legal Defense Fund and the Comic Legends Legal Defense Fund are
pleased to announce that the Crown has withdrawn all criminal charges in R. v.
Matheson, the case previously described as the Brandon X case, which
involved a comic book reader who faced criminal charges in Canada relating to
comic books on his computer. The defendant, Ryan Matheson, a 27-year-old comic
book reader, amateur artist, and computer programmer has been cleared of any
criminal wrongdoing.
After a search of his laptop in 2010, Matheson was wrongfully accused of
possessing and importing child pornography because of constitutionally
protected comic book images on that device. He was subjected to abusive
treatment by police and a disruption in his life that included a two-year
period during which he was unable to use computers or the internet outside
of his job, severely limiting opportunities to advance his employment and
education.
Matheson has agreed to plead to a non-criminal code regulatory offense
under the Customs Act of Canada. As a result of the agreement, Matheson will
not stand trial.
Although the outcome of this case is ultimately positive, comic book
readers should be aware that there are still dangers for traveling with
comics in Canada. Michael Edelson, who managed the defense said:
Aside from the very positive outcome to this story,
your members should be cautioned concerning the search and seizure
regime here in Canada exercised by the Canadian Border Services Agency.
Moreover, they should also be aware that although anime and manga is
legal in many areas of the United States and Japan, etc., to possess and
utilize, the Canadian authorities may take a different view if this
material is found on any laptops or mobile devices when you enter the
country.
Edelson’s firm has created a new advisory on traveling with comics and
manga in Canada that is available here:
CBLDF – Legal Memorandum – Canada Issues. The CBLDF’s previous advisory,
which addresses the issues of traveling with comics through international
borders is located here:
CBLDF Advisory – Comic Book Art at Intl Borders
Please visit
cbldf.org today to make a donation in support of paying off Ryan's legal
defense and creating new tools to combat abuses like this from happening in
the future. You can also support this effort by becoming a member of the
CBLDF. Every contribution helps CBLDF get Ryan back on his feet, and
furthers our efforts to protect the First Amendment rights of comics and
manga.
The
Olympia, Washington, father who murdered his two boys with a
hatchet, then burned down his house in an explosive inferno
apparently had a collection of cartoon porn.
