Legal Fees to Protect Michael's Free Speech
Donation protected
Hi, my name is Michael Bueckert and I am a recent PhD grad from Carleton University in Ottawa, now living in Montreal. In my spare time I also write about politics, including about far-right and alt-right movements.
(See below for links to court documents)
I'm being sued for defamation for $150,000 by an executive of the "uOttawa Students for Free Speech" for suggesting in a January 2019 blog that he may hold alt-right ideological views due to his association with Gavin McInnes (former leader of the alt-right gang Proud Boys) and other extremist figures.
The individual suing me has publicly claimed to be one of the only students in the province to be consulted by Ontario Premier Doug Ford on sweeping changes to student fees (a policy which would have had the effect of defunding most campus activities). This issue of public policy was the focus of the blog in question. (Note: this policy was struck down by the courts in November 2019 as unlawful).
This lawsuit is a clear intimidation attempt, designed to silence myself and anyone else who criticizes his actions. It is a clear example of an attack on free speech. It is also an attempt to evade responsibility for his own free association and promotion of extremist figures.
I simply do not have the means the fight this lawsuit on my own. I would be incredibly grateful for any financial assistance that you can offer to pay for my (excellent) lawyer and the costs of going to court, which are likely to be incredibly expensive.
Thank you so much for your support.
In solidarity,
Michael Bueckert
P.S. Here are the relevant legal documents:
Cease and desist
Cease and desist (February 19, 2019)
My response to "cease and desist" (February 22, 2019)
Lawsuit, Statement of Defence, Anti-SLAPP Motion
Lawsuit (February 27, 2019)
Statement of Defence (April 1, 2019)
Di Franco's response to "Statement of Defence" (April 8, 2019)
My Affidavit (May 17, 2019)
Di Franco's affidavit (July 30, 2019)
My Reply Affidavit (August 29, 2019)
My Factum (November 12, 2019)
Di Franco's responding factum (December 9, 2019)
My Reply Factum on the Main Motion (December 13, 2019)
My Responding Factum on Di Franco's motion to strike my Affidavit (December 13, 2019)
DECISION on Anti SLAPP Motion March 30 2020
Appeal of Dismissal of Anti-SLAPP Motion
My Appeal Factum August 2020
Di Franco's Appeal Factum, October 26 2020
My notice of motion to strike Di Franco's Factum (Dec 30 2020): https://www.scribd.com/document/491633824/20201230-Notice-of-Motion-to-Strike-Factum-Bueckert-Michael
Decision on Notice to Strike (deferred) (January 27, 2021)
My Revised Factum (March 22, 2021)
Di Franco's Revised Factum (May 3, 2021): https://www.scribd.com/document/506071174/Di-Franco-Amended-Factum-2021-05-03
(See below for links to court documents)
I'm being sued for defamation for $150,000 by an executive of the "uOttawa Students for Free Speech" for suggesting in a January 2019 blog that he may hold alt-right ideological views due to his association with Gavin McInnes (former leader of the alt-right gang Proud Boys) and other extremist figures.
The individual suing me has publicly claimed to be one of the only students in the province to be consulted by Ontario Premier Doug Ford on sweeping changes to student fees (a policy which would have had the effect of defunding most campus activities). This issue of public policy was the focus of the blog in question. (Note: this policy was struck down by the courts in November 2019 as unlawful).
This lawsuit is a clear intimidation attempt, designed to silence myself and anyone else who criticizes his actions. It is a clear example of an attack on free speech. It is also an attempt to evade responsibility for his own free association and promotion of extremist figures.
I simply do not have the means the fight this lawsuit on my own. I would be incredibly grateful for any financial assistance that you can offer to pay for my (excellent) lawyer and the costs of going to court, which are likely to be incredibly expensive.
Thank you so much for your support.
In solidarity,
Michael Bueckert
P.S. Here are the relevant legal documents:
Cease and desist
Cease and desist (February 19, 2019)
My response to "cease and desist" (February 22, 2019)
Lawsuit, Statement of Defence, Anti-SLAPP Motion
Lawsuit (February 27, 2019)
Statement of Defence (April 1, 2019)
Di Franco's response to "Statement of Defence" (April 8, 2019)
My Affidavit (May 17, 2019)
Di Franco's affidavit (July 30, 2019)
My Reply Affidavit (August 29, 2019)
My Factum (November 12, 2019)
Di Franco's responding factum (December 9, 2019)
My Reply Factum on the Main Motion (December 13, 2019)
My Responding Factum on Di Franco's motion to strike my Affidavit (December 13, 2019)
DECISION on Anti SLAPP Motion March 30 2020
Appeal of Dismissal of Anti-SLAPP Motion
My Appeal Factum August 2020
Di Franco's Appeal Factum, October 26 2020
My notice of motion to strike Di Franco's Factum (Dec 30 2020): https://www.scribd.com/document/491633824/20201230-Notice-of-Motion-to-Strike-Factum-Bueckert-Michael
Decision on Notice to Strike (deferred) (January 27, 2021)
My Revised Factum (March 22, 2021)
Di Franco's Revised Factum (May 3, 2021): https://www.scribd.com/document/506071174/Di-Franco-Amended-Factum-2021-05-03
Organizer
Michael Bueckert
Organizer
Montréal, QC
