Released on February 5, 2004
The Klassen and Kvello families have received a payment of $1.5 million from the provincial government while the litigation in their malicious prosecution case continues."It is appropriate, in this exceptional case, to make these payments to the Klassen and Kvello families," Justice Minister Frank Quennell said. "This compensation is in recognition of Justice Baynton's declaration that the plaintiffs are innocent, and of the pain and suffering and expense resulting from the prosecution and the civil action."
The government supports an appeal of the judgment because it may significantly impair the Crown's ability to prosecute certain cases, including allegations of spousal abuse and child sexual abuse. The appeal does not call into question the innocence of the plaintiffs.
"We need clarification on the law – and the only way to obtain that is to appeal the judgment," Quennell said.
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For More Information, Contact:
| Debi McEwen Justice Regina Phone: (306)787-6043 |