(Calgary Herald) The head of the Black Lives Matter movement in Calgary has been charged with a hate crime for allegedly impeding access to a Catholic school.
Court records show Adora Nwofor was charged with mischief on June 2, in connection with an incident on May 26, for allegedly “wilfully obstructing and interfering” with the use of a property “primarily used for religious worship and educational purposes.”
It’s alleged she interfered with people’s use of St. Thomas Aquinas School on 26 Avenue S.W. “for reasons of bias, prejudice, or hate based on race or ethnic origin.”
Nwofor, 47, is president of Black Lives Matter YYC and has also been a strong activist for abortion rights.
She led a May 2022 rally at Olympic Plaza in protest of the U.S. Supreme Court’s anticipated overturning of Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 ruling that legalized abortion in that country.
The U.S. top court later followed through on a leaked draft decision and overturned Roe v. Wade.
At the May 15, 2022, rally, Nwofor expressed concerns the U.S. decision could ultimately impact abortion rights in Canada.
Nwofor banned from going within 100 metres of St. Thomas Aquinas
Nwofor appeared via video link before a justice of the peace on June 2, and was released on a non-cash bail with conditions she have no contact with staff and faculty from St. Thomas Aquinas.
She is also barred from going within 100 metres of the school.
Defence lawyer Chad Haggerty appeared on her behalf at the brief proceeding.
When contacted by Postmedia, Haggerty declined to comment on the case.
Other Black Lives Matter activist set to receive verdict on separate case this Thursday
Haggerty also represents Black Lives Matter activist Taylor McNallie, who is set to get a verdict on Thursday in connection with allegations she assaulted an off-duty sheriff on the steps of the Calgary Courts Centre.
