DOCUMENT TEXT REPORT

          Document:         Direct Action
            Created:           2003-07-31 - 14:02:24
            Modified:          2007-05-01 - 20:44:35
            Description:     "Squamish Five"

            Document Text:           
1: §1 1984
2: §2 C-B
3: §3 Printemps 1984
4:
5: Sentencing.
6:
7: Ann Hansen                                 sentenced to life in prison. Reacting to the sentence, Hansen throws a tomato at                                                                                         the judge.
8: Brent Taylor                                 sentenced to 22 years.
9: Julie Belmas                               sentenced to 20 years. Reduced to 15 on appeal.
10: Gerry Hannah                           sentenced to 10 years.
11: Doug Stewart                            sentenced to 6 years.
12:
13: By the early nineties, all five were out of prison. Hansen remains on parole for life.
14:
15:
16: §4 1983
17: §5 Toronto
18: §6 12 avril 1983
19:
20: Charges filed in Toronto in connection to the Litton bombing. All five charged with conspiracy to bomb, and possession of an explosive for the purpose of causing serious damage to property. Ann Hansen, Julie Belmas and Brent Taylor also charged with :
21: "    causing an explosion likely to cause serious bodily harm
22: "    causing an explosion likely to cause serious property damage.
23:
24:
25:
26: §7 C-B
27: §8 21 janvier 1983
28:
29: Ann Hansen, Brent Taylor, Julie Belmas, Gerry Hannah and Doug Stewart face charges related to :
30: "    conspiracy to commit robbery of Brink's guard
31: "    conspiracy to use explosives to damage the Cheekeye-Dunsmuir power line and icebreaker Terry                         Fox
32: "    conspiracy to sabotage aircraft, radar equipment and fuel tanks at CFB Cold Lake Alberta
33: "    setting off explosion of BC Hyrdro substation
34: "    possession of dynamite, blasting caps, switching devices, gelatin, diagrams and timing devices                           with the intent to cause serious damage to the power line substation at Qualicum Bay.
35: "    willfully setting fire to Red Hot Video outlets in North Vancouver and Surrey and attempting to set                          fire to the Red Hot Video outlet in Port Coquitlam
36: "    possessing a prohibited weapon
37: "    possession of restricted weapons
38: "    theft of a pickup truck
39: "    possession of a large quantity of stolen property
40:
41:
42: §9 Squamish
43: §10 20 janvier 1983
44:
45: All five were arrested on highway to Squamish BC.
46:
47:
48: §11 Lougheed (C-B)
49: §12 11 janvier 1983
50:
51: Direct Action decided to hold up a Brink's guard at Woolco in the Lougheed Mall in order to finance the group's terrorist campaign. Detailed plans were made, and on 11-12 january, 4 members of Direct Action stole 2 vehicles for use as getaway vehicles in their planned hold-up of a Brink's truck. Radios, a police frequency scanner, and sophisticated car theft tools were used in the commission of the act. One of the stolen vehicle broke down, and a third car theft was successfully undertaken that night by the same four individuals using the same methods and equipment.
52:
53: The group was arrested before it put its plans into operation. 4 members were convicted of this offence, and were sentenced to 12 years, life, 10 years, and 12 years imprisonment respectively.
54:
55:
56:
57: §13 Vancouver
58: §14 11 janvier 1983
59:
60: 4 members of Direct Action stole 2 vehicles for use as get-away vehicles in their planned hold-up of a Brink’s truck.  Radios, a police frequency scanner, and sophisticated car theft tools were used in the commission of the act.  One of the stolen vehicle borke down, and a third car theft was successfully undertaken that night by the same four individuals using the same methods and equipment.
61:
62:
63:
64:
65: §15 1982
66: §16 Vancouver
67: §17 21-22 décembre 1982
68:
69: Police installed roombugs in the suspects' apartment while they were gone target practicing. The recordings served as the major evidence during the trial.
70:
71:
72: §18 Vancouver
73: §19 22 novembre 1982
74:
75: Smoke and flames were seen coming from the Red Hot video premises. Ann Hansen, Julie Belmas and other friends firebomb three Red Hot Video stores. Two stores burn, arson attempt on the third building fails (At about the same time as 2 other attacks on Red Hot Video outlets in the Greater Vancouver area, a Red Hot Video store in Coquitlam was the scene of an abortive fire-bomb attack). A fire bomb attack destroyed a Red Hot Video outlet and damaged a neighbouring shoe store and 2 vacant stores nearby. Responsibility for this attack was claimed by a group calling themselves the " Wimmins Fire Brigade ". 2 members of the leftist group Direct Action helped to organize, and participated in, the attack.
76:
77: 2 communiqués were delivered to news agency claiming responsibility for this and 2 concurrent attacks, depicting them as steps " toward the destruction of a business that promotes and profits from violence againts women and children ".
78:
79: Ann was seriously injured during the action. She suffered major burnt to most of her face while placing one of the bomb. She later pleaded guilty to arson in connection with this incident and was sentenced to 3 years (concurrent with other terms).
80:
81: Julie Belmas, member of Direct Action, pleaded guilty to attempted arson and received a sentence of 2 years (concurrent with other terms).
82:
83:
84: §20 Vancouver
85: §21 22 novembre 1982
86:
87: smoke and flames were seen coming from the Red Hot video premises.
88:
89: Responsibility for this attack was claimed by a group calling themselves the “Wimmins Fire Brigade”. 2 members of the leftist group Direct Action helped to organize, and participated in, the attack.
90:
91: 2 communiqués were delivered to news agency claiming responsibility for this and 2 concurrent attacks, depicting them as steps “toward the destruction of a business that promotes and profits from violence againts women and children”.
92:
93: A female member of Direct Action, who was burned while placing one of the bomb, pleaded guilty to arson in connection with this incident and was sentenced to 3 years (concurrent with other terms).
94:
95: ________
96: At about the same time as 2 other attacks on Red Hot Video outlets in the Greater Vancouver area, a Red Hot Video store in Coquitlam was the scebe of an abortive fire-bomb attack.
97:
98: Another female member of Direct Action pleaded guilty to attempted arson and received a sentence of 2 years (concurrent with other terms).
99:
100: ________
101: a fire bomb attack destroyed a Red Hot Video outlet and damaged a neighbouring shoe store and 2 vacant stores nearby.
102:
103: As in 2 other concurrent attacks, responsibility was claimed by the Wimmins Fire Brigade.
104:
105: travail des «Squamish Five» Julie Belmas et Ann Hansen
106:
107: Classification selon Kellett et al :
108: type: single issue
109: cible: affaire
110: tactique: fire bombing
111:
112: R. v. Belmas et al, 1986, 27 CCC, (3d), 150-51; VS 22 nov 82, A1
113:
114:
115: §22 Vancouver
116: §23 18 novembre 1982
117:
118: Investigation file for Direct Action was transferred from security services to CLEU (British Columbia's Coordinated Law Enforcement Unit).
119:
120:
121:
122: §24 Toronto
123: §25 11 novembre 1982
124:
125: Many arrests were undertaken in Toronto regarding the Litton bombing. Much of these arrests were false accusations and led to unnecessary detention time for many peaceful activists.
126:
127:
128: §26
129: §27 Vancouver
130: §28 3 novembre 1982
131:
132: Surveillance patrol identified Hansen, Hanna, Stewart and Belmas as the main suspects.
133:
134:
135: §29 Vancouver
136: §30 29 octobre 1982
137:
138: Surveillance was initiated. It first targeted Stewart which became a potential suspect for his previous criminal history. Taylor had appeared at political rallies, was a known graffiti artist, and had once thrown a pie in the face of Progressive Conservative leader Joe Clark.
139:
140:
141: §31 Toronto
142: §32 14 octobre 1982
143:
144: LITTON BOMBING
145: Members of Direct Action bombed Litton Industries' Toronto plant. The plant manufactured parts for the guidance system of US cruise missiles. A van packed with hundreds of kilos of dynamite explodes, injuring ten people and ripping out the front of the Litton Industries building. The blast is so powerful it sends pieces of the van hurtling onto the nearby highway. "Direct Action" claims responsibility.
146:
147: Although the bombers tried to warn the plant security officers, the explosion injured 10 persons, it also caused damage estimated at $3,87 million.
148:
149: After the incident, Direct Action sent communiqués to various organizations and media outlets, explaining the motives behind the bombing and apologizing for the injuries caused. 3 members of the group were convicted of this offence, and received sentences of 12, 10 and 9 years.
150:
151:
152: Kellet et al abstract:
153:
154: Members of Direct Action bombed Litton Industries’ Toronto plant. The plant manufactured parts for the guidance system of US cruise missiles.  Although the bombers tried to warn the plant security officers, the explosion injured 10 persons, it also caused damage estimated at $3,87 million.
155:
156: After the incident Direct Action sent communiqués to various organizations and media outlets, explaining the motives behind the bombing and apologizing for the injuries caused.
157:
158: 3 members of the group were convicted of this offence, and received sentences of 12, 10 and 9 years.
159:
160: Travail des «Squamish Five»
161:
162: Classification selon Kellett et al :
163: type: Left-Wing
164: cible: business
165: tactique: bombe
166:
167: R. v. Belmas et al (1986) 27 C.C.C. (3d), 148-50; GM 15 oct 82, 1,2; CF, apr 83, 36-37; OC 13 apr 83, A2
168:
169:
170:
171: §33 Toronto
172: §34 3-4 octobre 1982
173:
174: An Oldsmobile car was stolen. A vehicle matching the description of the Oldsmobile was used in Direct Action's bombing of the Litton plant on 14 october. Another vehicle was stolen the following night, but was abandonned.
175:
176:
177:
178: §35 Toronto
179: §36 3 octobre 1982
180:
181: an Oldsmobile car was stolen.
182:
183: A vehicle matching the description of the Oldsmobile was used in Direct Action ‘s bombing of the Litton plant on 14 october. Another vehicle was stolen the following night, but was abandonned.
184:
185: Classification selon Kellett et al :
186: type: left-wing
187: cible: citoyen
188: tactique: vol
189:
190: R. v. Belmas et al, 1986, 27 CCC (3d), 148
191:
192:
193: §37 Toronto
194: §38 30 septembre 1982
195:
196: Members of Direct Action stole a GMC van in Toronto. The van was packed with explosives and used in the 14 october Litton bombing.
197:
198:
199: §39 Toronto
200: §40 30 septembre 1982
201:
202: Members of Direct Action stole a GMC van in Torontol the van was packed with explosives and used in the 14 octobre Litton bombing.
203:
204: Classification  selon Kellett et al :
205: type: left-wing
206: cible: citoyen
207: tactique: vol
208:
209: R. v. Belmas et al, appeal, 1986, 27 CCC (3d), 148
210:
211:
212:
213: §41 Squamish
214: §42 27 juillet 1982
215:
216: Direct Action members stole 38 1/2 cases of explosives from a magazine of the BC Department of Highways. The stolen explosives were used in the 14 october 1982 bombing of Litton Industrie' Toronto plant.
217:
218:
219: §43 Vancouver
220: §44 15 juillet 1982
221:
222: a 1977 Chevrolet truck was stolen from the street in front of the owner’s Vancouver residence.
223:
224: A member of the Direct Action was a party to this theft, and other members of the group were to use the vehicle at different times for a variety of purposes.
225:
226: Classification selon Kellett et al :
227: type: left-wing
228: cible: privé
229: tactique: vol
230:
231: R. v. Belmas et al, 27 CCC (3d), p. 147
232:
233:
234: §45 Jasper
235: §46 11 juillet 1982
236:
237: The workshop of Mamot Basin Ski Lifts was broken and entered by members of Direct Action. Tools, radio equipment, and mountaineering equipment worth about 17 000$ was stolen. (A member of Direct Action had been employed by the company in the summer of 1981.)
238:
239: Classification selon Kellett et al :
240: type: left-wing
241: cible: affaire
242: tactique: vol
243:
244: R. v. Belmas et al, 27 CCC (3d), pp. 146-147
245:
246:
247: §47 Vancouver
248: §48 31 juin 1982
249:
250: A 1977 Chevrolet truck was stolen from the street in front of the owner's Vancouver residence.
251:
252:
253: §49 Vancouver island
254: §50 31 mai 1982
255:
256: CHEEKEYE-DUNSMUIR BOMBING
257: A recently constructed BC Hydro substation was bombed. Dynamite explodes, destroying four transformers on Vancouver Island, part of a BC Hydro transmission line project. Approximately $5 million damage was done.
258:
259: On 2 June 14 organisations and media outlets received communiqués from Direct Action claiming responsibility and stating that it bombed the facility to protest industrial expansion which has " raped and mutilated the earth for 200 years ".
260:
261: 2 Direct Action members were convicted of this offence, and each sentenced to 6 years.
262:
263: Kellett et al abstract:
264: a recently constructed BC Hydro substation was bombed.  Approximately $5 million damage was done.
265:
266: On 2 June various media outlets received communiqués from Direct Action claiming responsibility and stating that it bombed the facility to protest industrial expansion which has “raped and mutilated the earth for 200 years”.
267:
268: 2 Direct Action members were convicted of this offence, and each sentenced to 6 years.
269:
270: Travail des «Squamish Five»
271:
272: Classification selon Kellett et al :
273: type: left-wing
274: cible: énergie
275: tactique: bombe
276:
277: R. v Belmas, et al, 1986, 27 CCC, (3d) 145-46; MG 23 jun 84, A8, B1; VS 10 jun 82, B3
278:
279:
280: §51 Vancouver
281: §52 Janvier-février 1982
282:
283: CAR LICENSES AND FALSE IDENTITIES
284: Fake car licenses were picked up from Ontario as preventive measures for their big actions.
285:
286: Group begins to accumulate roster of false identities from info found in a dumpster of the Canadian Embassy.
287:
288: BUYING AMMO
289: Two thousand rounds of ammo were purchased for future use while Direct Action kept target practicing in the mountains.
290:
291:
292: §53 1981
293: §54 Richmond
294: §55 7 décembre 1981
295:
296: Members of Direct Action stalked a Richmond gun collector for five weeks before breaking into his home and stealing 13 semi-automatic rifles and hand-guns. A male group member was convicted of this offence and sentenced to 2 years in prison.
297:
298: Classification selon Kellett et al :
299: type: left-wing
300: cible: private citizen
301: tactique: theft
302:
303: VP 20 may 87
304:
305:
306: §56 Vancouver
307: §57 Septembre 1981
308:
309: The group managed to rob a large grocery store which let them with plenty of money to stay far from braking small rules and focus on braking more important ones.
310:
311: DYNAMITE ROBBERY
312: Dynamite magazines had been spotted on their target practice runs and the group successfully managed to rob them for future use although no precise plan had been devised.
313:
314:
315: §58 Vancouver
316: §59 Juin-juillet 1981
317:
318: The group had planned carrying robbery during the summer, and gun was part of the plan. Acquiring a FAC (firearms acquisition certificate) was by no mean difficult. It involved going to the local police station and filling out a form so they could check to see if I had a criminal record or history of mental illness. Since Ann had none, she was given a FAC, which she could take to any gun store and use to purchase a weapon other than a handgun. In Canada purchasing a handgun requires a restricted weapons permit, which involves more stringent criteria than a rifle.
319:
320: A car theft was also carried out, and the group the had a getaway car (white pinto) to use for their next action.
321:
322: A Cineplex robbery was carefully planned by the group for some time. Although it was carried out twice, the robbery didn't occur since it was aborted in the act.
323:
324:
325: §60 Victoria
326: §61 10 mais 1981
327:
328: Ann Hansen, Brent Taylor, Julie Belmas and others travel to Victoria to vandalize the offices of the BC Environment Dept. In the next few days, the communiqués had reached their destinations and mentioned in articles of The Province, and The Sun, Vancouver's daily papers.
329:
330:
331: §62 Victoria
332: §63 10 mai 1981
333:
334: Les bureaux du ministère de l’Environnement de la C-B sont vandalisés par les Squamish Five / Action directe.
335:
336: sources:
337: http://www.cbc.ca/fifth/main_squamish.html
338: http://www.tao.ca/~solidarity/texts/vanc5
339:
340:
341: §64 Vancouver
342: §65 Avril 1981
343:
344: Ann Hansen, Brent Taylor and friends vandalize the offices of Amax, a mining company. Dead fishes were put into jars filled with red paints which were thrown inside the offices of AMAX. They wanted to keep the action small and simple so that people could get involved without having to fear serious prison time as a consequence. They had nothing of an ideology if the will to publicize the plight of the Nishga Indians living in Alice Arm for whom the project would have devastating impact. Despite the statement (communiqué) the group made after the action, it did not garner any publicity. AMAX refused to confirm that anything happened to prevent bad publicity.
345:
346: SECOND AMAX ACTION
347: After a week of casing, the group vandalized the offices, spraying slogans such as "Amax Kills", "Fight for Survival", and "Resist Corporate Greed" in huge bold strokes all over the office walls. They then proceeded to call the local daily newspaper to let them know that they had stashed a communiqué: "Amax was attacked by persons outraged over the company's molybdenum mine in northwestern B.C., where at least 90 million tones of toxic mine tailings will be dumped into Alice Arm…" The next morning, a short article and a photograph of thepainted slogans appeared in the newspaper, claiming that yahoos had been responsible for the attack.
348:
349: CAR THEFT
350: Before their third action, the group had failed an attempt at car theft.
351:
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