Stanley trial ‘is not a referendum on racism,’ says defence lawyer

The lawyer representing Gerald Stanley, the man accused of killing 22-year-old Colten Boushie in 2016, has released a statement addressing racial tensions in Saskatchewan ahead of his upcoming second-degree murder trial.

“Despite any online comments or media stories, Gerry’s trial is not a referendum on racism. If jurors feel that they have to pick a ‘side,’ then it will be very difficult for there to be a fair trial,” Scott Spencer wrote.

The statement goes on to read that racism existed across the province before the “Boushie tragedy” and still persists today.

“It is dangerous to deny them, but it is perhaps equally dangerous to allege racism where it does not exist. Either way, race has nothing to do with the proper outcome of Gerry’s trial,” he said.

Spencer also touched on his concerns about the recent media coverage calling it “troubling and inaccurate.”

He added neither Stanley nor his family will be doing interviews throughout the trial, and that the media and general public should give them “respect.”

The second-degree murder trial begins with jury selection on Monday in the Town of Battleford.

Read the full statement here: Re. Gerald Stanley Trial, January 29, 2018