EMERY SUPPORTERS SPEAK OUT

Supporters of pot activist Marc Emery accused the United States of
political interference yesterday at a press conference in Ottawa. The
group vowed to make the arrest an issue in the next election.

"I think there are a few favours being called on," said Tim Meehan, a
local Marijuana party member. Emery was arrested Friday by Canadian
police on behalf of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency on charges of
selling marijuana seeds over the Internet through his Vancouver-based
business. "Maybe (his arrest) was a trade in for opening the border to
beef," said Meehan.

Emery has not been charged in Canada with a crime. Canadian
authorities have turned a blind eye to Emery's activities for the past
10 years, Meehan said, so why they would agree now to co-operate with
American investigators is raising questions about what went on at the
high-levels of government on both sides of the border.

"Was this an attempt to silence the marijuana reform movement, knowing
that Emery's a major sponsor to reform activities?" asked Russell
Barth, a member of Ottawa Friends of Marc Emery. It is estimated Emery
earns about $3 million a year and is a major source of funds for
Canada's Marijuana Party. If taking the party's most vocal leader and
supporter out of the loop is an attempt by the U.S. administration to
alter the political landscape in Canada, it will fail, Meehan said. In
fact, he expects Emery's arrest, and possible extradition, to have a
positive impact on his party's quest to gain a seat in the House of
Commons next election. "I think we're going to get a lot of votes.
We'll make sure it is an election issue and Emery will run his
campaign from jail if he has to," said Meehan, who will run in the
Ottawa South riding.

Members of Ottawa Friends of Marc Emery said yesterday that his arrest
and possible extradition is a case of Canada being "victimized" by the
United States. "I think a lot of people who would think this is a
marijuana issue need to take a broader look at this. It's a question
of Canada's sovereignty," said supporter Tim Meehan.