Montreal activist Jaggi Singh freed with conditions

Montreal civil rights activist Jaggi Singh has been released with conditions, after pleadingnot guilty to charges of obstruction of a peace officer and impersonation in connection with an anti-far right protest in Quebec City on Aug. 20.

Municipal court Judge Patrice Simard imposed conditions to Singh's release, including keeping the peace, paying a $250 bail and staying away from the grounds of the National Assembly.

Crown prosecutorMarie-HlneGuillemettehad requested Singh's fingerprints also be taken. However, Simardsaidthe municipal court doesn'thave the right to impose such a condition at this stage, given the nature of the charges against Singh.

The judge said Singh does not pose a threat to public safety, and he'sconfident Singhwill show up to court for his trial.

Singh's next court appearance is set for Sept.6.

• Far-right group claims PR victory after duelling protests in Quebec City

The veteran protesterwas charged following a counter-protest to an anti-immigration rallyledby the far-right group La Meute.

In a statement issued through lawyer Arij Riahi Tuesday, Singh said he was arrested for impersonating former Quebec Nordiques hockey star Michel Goulet.

"I would appreciate support from people in Quebec City as I appear in court tomorrow," he said. "Long live the Nordiques!"

About 20 people rallied at the courthouse Wednesdayto show Singhtheir support.

Singh, who is representing himself in court, appeared Wednesday morning before Judge Jacques Ouelletthe same judge who signed a warrant for Singh's arrest last week.

He asked for a different judge and was assigned Judge Nathalie Duchesne, who does not speak English.

Crown seeks bail conditions

After initially opposing Singh's release, Crown prosecutor Marie-Hlne Guillemette said she would agree to it if he complied with certain conditions, including being fingerprinted, providing a valid address and staying away from the Quebec City region.

Singh, who had spoken French in court, then switched to English, saying he wanted to be sure he understood the conditions.

Duchesne adjourned court until it could accommodate Singh's request for an explanation in English, which Simard provided Wednesday afternoon.