The deputy leader of the Green Party, a key figure in the Fairy Creek old-growth logging demonstrations in 2021, has been unsuccessful in her attempt to challenge a prison sentence at the Supreme Court of Canada.
Angela Davidson, also known as Rainbow Eyes, was initially given a 60-day jail term after being found guilty of seven counts of criminal contempt related to the Fairy Creek protests. Despite a reduction in her sentence by the B.C. Court of Appeal, Davidson’s appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada was turned down in a brief ruling on Thursday, leading to her now facing 31 days in prison.
In response to the court’s decision, the Green Party of Canada expressed unwavering support for Rainbow Eyes, emphasizing their commitment to advocating for a justice system that protects the environment and upholds Indigenous rights.
Davidson commenced serving her sentence, which includes 18 months of probation and 75 hours of community service, on Wednesday, as confirmed by her lawyer, Ben Isitt.
The legal proceedings stemmed from Davidson’s breach of an injunction secured by logging company Teal Cedar, following mass protests that obstructed the company’s logging activities, described as one of Canada’s most significant acts of civil disobedience.
While numerous contempt charges against protesters were dropped due to procedural errors involving the RCMP’s handling of the injunction, Davidson received a substantial sentence due to repeated violations of the court order.
Davidson’s involvement in the protests dates back to May 2021 when she was arrested for chaining herself to a gate despite being instructed by the police to leave. Subsequent breaches of her bail conditions, including returning to the protest site, led to her sentencing.
Despite the legal challenges she faced, Davidson also contested as the Green Party candidate for the Northwest Territories, finishing in fourth place in the election won by the Liberals’ Rebecca Alty.