The Wet'suwet'en, Gitxsan, and Haudenosaunee Nations are celebrating in Smithers this afternoon (Oct. 17) after a B.C. Supreme Court justice suspended the sentences of three Coastal GasLink pipeline opponents this morning.

In passing sentences of 30 days for Sleydo' (Molly Wickham), 25 days for Corey Jocko, and 20 days for Shaylynn Sampson, Justice Michael Tammen sided with the Crown that a significant sentence should be imposed.

In suspending those sentences, the judge agreed with the defence that further jail time would further deteriorate respect for the justice system.

The ruling hinged on the "serious misconduct" of RCMP officers during and after the trio's arrests on Nov. 19, 2021, and on the historical context that led to Sleydo', Jocko, and Sampson breaching a 2019 court injunct

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