The RCMP have executed a search warrant at the home of someone connected to a blog criticizing the force.
The Re-Sergeance Alliance blog went up earlier this month, calling for change within the RCMP.
Over the weekend, the home of someone involved with it was searched and computers were seized. The person wishes to remain anonymous.
In an e-mail to CKNW, however, Sgt. Rob Vermeulen of RCMP’s E Division denies the blog had anything to do with it.
He says the warrant for the raid – for “defamatory libel” – was for a separate criminal investigation, and the Re-Sergeance connection was purely coincidence.
Vermeulen adds Mounties are currently assessing the information obtained in the search, and that will dictate their next step.
Furthermore, a police psychologist known for speaking out against the force says he's been contacted by the target of the search.
Dr. Mike Webster says the person insists it’s indeed all about comments made on the blog.
“He mentioned to me he was directly accused of being part of the Re-Sergeance alliance, which he's really not."
Webster says that person told him he only helped get the blog online.
Despite the blog being shut down, those connected to it are using other means to contact the media.
Webster says they have asked him to distribute a letter.
The document calls on supporters to use social media to get their message across, because it’s difficult to use a blog.
Webster has a long and tumultuous history with the RCMP. The force recently cut ties with him, questioning his ability to provide effective treatment for patients while commenting public on the force.
The executive director of the BC Civil Liberties Association, meanwhile, says the seaches and subsequent RCMP comment doesn't add up.
“Usually if someone's been defamed by someone else, they go to court and they sue them for defamation. They don't get the police involved executing search warrants, seizing computers and so on, because police powers are reserved for serious criminal matters," David Eby says.
