Molly Wickham (Sleydo’), Shaylynn Sampson, and Corey Jocko will not be seeing further time behind bars.
That was the decision of the B.C. Supreme Court on Friday in relation to the Costal Gas Link pipeline incidents.
Wickham was sentenced with 30 days, Jocko with 25, and Sampson with 20 which were all suspended in favour of each doing 150 hours of community service work.
“While we are relieved that Sleydo’, Sampson and Jocko were allowed to walk free, the application of jail sentences – suspended or not – sends a chilling message to land defenders who act to protect Indigenous rights and territory in the face of destructive mega-projects,” said Amnesty International Americas Director Ana Piquer.
The human rights organization previously said if the three were sentenced to jail time, it would count them as the second to fourth Canadian Prisoners of Conscience.
Adam Gangon was the first after he was placed on house arrest for 60 days.
“The land defenders did exactly what they were supposed to do to uphold ‘Anuk niwh’it’en [Wet’suwet’en law]. They followed our law and our way of life. Our law stands for “land, air, water,” said Hereditary Chief Na’Moks.
The sentencing started on October 15th which saw several supporters march down Smithers’ Main Street with the three to from Goat Park to the courthouse.
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