Quotes about Jian Ghomeshi’s acquittal

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This article was published 24/03/2016 (3861 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Here’s a selection of quotes about Thursday’s acquittal of broadcaster Jian Ghomeshi:

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“The bedrock foundation of the Crown’s case is tainted. The evidence fails to prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt.” Justice William Horkins.

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“While many people have analyzed this trial and the events leading up to it in symbolic terms, what we want to say today is deeply personal. We are not speaking as, for or against women, but as members of a close family. It has been extremely painful for those of us who love him. Jian has, however, remained the person we know and love. We hope that Jian and our family will be given the privacy and dignity to heal from a process that has been extremely difficult.” Jila Ghomeshi, sister of Jian Ghomeshi, outside the courthouse.

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“The question of violence against women, you know, is very, very important to me and I think there will be a lot of discussions and thoughtful proposals as we move forward on how we continue to demonstrate that violence against women in any type is unacceptable.” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on CP24.

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“The charges that were before the court in this trial and the judge’s ruling are unrelated to our decision to end Jian Ghomeshi’s employment with CBC. Based on the evidence that came to our attention, Mr. Ghomeshi’s actions were not in line with the values of the public broadcaster nor with our employee code of conduct.” Chuck Thompson, head of public affairs at CBC.

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“Ghomeshi never denied choking + punching the survivors. Yet the women were put on trial.” Toronto city Coun. Kristyn Wong-Tam on Twitter.

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“So much gratitude to all the women who came forward to share their painful truths about #Ghomeshi. To the court, to the press, to each other.” Activist and author Naomi Klein on Twitter.

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“Today, 1 in 4 women experience sexual assault or harassment and yet only 10 per cent report it. It’s the fear of not being believed that stops women from coming forward. I believe survivors…” Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath, in a statement issued moments before the verdict.

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“This is why we don’t come forward.” Sarah Dunsworth, actress on “Trailer Park Boys” and a friend of complainant, Lucy DeCoutere.

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“Today I mourn for every single person who has been a victim of sexual abuse and been too afraid to come forward.” “Corner Gas” actress Tara Spencer-Nairn.

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“We know Justice Horkins, we have a great deal of respect for him, he’s an experienced jurist, but we just received the judgment. We’re going to have a chance over the long weekend to take a look at it, consider our position, but that’s all we have to say today.” Crown attorney Michael Callaghan.

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“Ghomeshi guilty!” Topless protester outside the courthouse amid the Crown’s remarks before being tackled to the ground and handcuffed by police.