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Alert

Quebec City police threaten to seize video recordings from three television stations

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF is deeply concerned that Quebec City police may search the offices of three television stations - TQS, TVA and Radio Canada - to seize video recordings as part of a police investigation.

RSF Secretary-General Robert Ménard has warned of "the risks" for journalists of "being seen as involuntary or voluntary police informants. If sources do not remain confidential, nobody will be willing to share information with journalists. Journalism, particularly investigative journalism, which is so precious for democracy, will be seriously affected," he said.

The organisation is asking the Quebec Superior Court to cancel the search warrants that were given to Quebec City police.

On 4 June 2003, a Quebec Court judge signed the search warrants giving Quebec City police the right to search the offices of three television networks - TQS, TVA and Radio Canada - for the videotapes.

Police want to use the video, shot on 30 May at the Quebec City court-house, as part of their investigation into a juvenile prostitution ring. The video shows comments made by Robert Gillet, a radio host accused in the case, as he leaves the court room. Crown prosecutors are considering using the declarations during his trial.

Radio Canada has obtained a suspension on the execution of the search warrants. The three television stations named in the search warrants have announced their intention to contest the warrants' validity on 13 June before the Quebec Superior Court.