Thursday, March 29, 2007

Carol Gwilt is free

Medical marijuana exemptee Carol Gwilt is free on parole starting on April 2nd after serving six months of her fifteen month sentence. Gwilt was sentenced in September of 2006 for trafficking for her role in the operation of the famous Da Kine cafe.

Da Kine Cafe was a store that opened in May 2004 and sold cannabis and hash to anyone who signed a form to join. The neighbourhood businesses claimed that they benefited from the organized and safe cannabis outlet, and customers stated that they were protected from dealing with unsavory characters in order to obtain marijuana.

Together with volunteers and activists, Carol made Da Kine a very public and reputable shop that thrived for four months with no complaint. It wasn't until Septmeber 2004 that a sudden massive raid tok place with no warning, shutting down a movie shoot (The Fantastic Four) and including helicopters, swat teams, and numerous weapons and police vehicles -- all for a cafe with unarmed patrons and volunteer staff.

The police raid was thought to be motivated by the BC Solicitor General, who was openly opposed to any cannabis or anti-prohibition demonstrations, and cracked down with a huge show of unnecessary force to please American Law Enforcement.


It's always good news when an activist gets out of jail. Congratulations!

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