ARREST SURPRISES POT ACTIVIST

SASKATOON - A marijuana activist was released from jail Thursday after
spending three nights there and paying $3,500 bail.

"I'm actually ashamed to think this is part of Canada," Marc Emery
said outside provincial court.

"By the time I factor in my bail and all my legal fees, it cost me
over $12,000 (for) passing a joint in this city. That's the most
wicked, harshest jurisdiction I've ever encountered in Canada."

Emery, the B.C. Marijuana Party president , was arrested Monday at a
bandshell for passing out joints.

He had given a pro-marijuana speech at the University of Saskatchewan
earlier in the evening.

The Crown is pursuing a charge of trafficking.

Emery said he's been targeted by authorities because of his activist
stance.

"Initially, I was booked on possession, until they found out who I
was," he said. "You wouldn't ask $3,500 bail for anyone else in this
country for passing a joint."

His lawyer, Leanne Johnson, agreed: "It's about the fact that it's a
public figure, the fact that he's an advocate."

Prosecutor Frank Impey denied the Crown was trying to make an example
of Emery.