I’ve Waited More Than 10 Years for This
“Just one more and you’ll be safe.”
The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (with the Canadian Comics Legends Legal Defense Fund) announced today they’re supporting “Brandon”, arrested for being in possession of manga which Canadian customs officials deemed child pornography.
CBLDF Executive Director Charles Brownstein says, “Although the CBLDF can’t protect comic fans everywhere in every situation, we want to join this effort to protect an American comic fan being prosecuted literally as he stood on the border of our country for behavior the First Amendment protects here, and its analogues in Canadian law should protect there.”
Brandon, a twenty-something computer programmer, had his computer searched as he was crossing the border to visit a friend. His computer was found to have manga on it that the custom officials considered to be child pornography. If convicted Brandon faces a minimum year in prison and must register as a sex offender. This is another case in what seems to be a new trend targeting not artists, publishers or distributors – but readers.
-> Full Information from the CBLDF
The CBLDF also lists comics that have been seized as suspicious at the Canadian border. A list which includes Sailor Moon (eventually declared admissible).
The CBLDF’s travel advisory for those crossing international borders includes details of the kind of invasive searches you and your possessions can be subjected to.
-> Neil Gaiman comments on this and on why we should defend speech we may find objectionable.
The CBLDF does good work. Please spread this story and support them financially if you can.
[via: Warren Ellis]
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[via: TOKYOMANGO]
