Calling her conduct an "egregious affront to the rule of law," a prosecutor said at Vancouver's Supreme Court Monday (Feb. 19) he's seeking a nine to 15-month jail term for environmental activist Betty Krawczyk.
The 78-year-old grandmother - known to Squamish residents for her involvement in the 2001 Elaho logging protests - has been convicted seven times for activist-related activities.
Krawczyk has received jail sentences for previous acts of passive resistance in environmental disputes at Clayoquot Sound, the Walbran and Elaho valleys.
Her latest charges come from her participation during protests against Highway 99 upgrades impacting West Vancouver's Eagleridge Bluffs greenway. Krawczyk was arrested on May 31, 2006 at the Eagleridge Bluffs' Black Mountain Trail.
She appeared later that day before Madame Justice Bishop in the Supreme Court of British Columbia, who released her on the promise to keep the peace for 24 hours and to appear back in court on June 1, but she was soon back at the Bluffs.
On Feb. 8, 2007, Krawczyk represented herself in court and was found guilty of criminal contempt of court by Justice Brenda Brown via phone from Victoria.
"We expect nothing less of the crown or the courts over her conviction while attempting to protect Eagleridge Bluffs," said one of Krawczyk's many supporters in a news release following the conviction.
Krawczyk will hear the judges sentencing decision on March 5 at 9 a.m.
