David H. Wilkins, Ambassador to Canada
The Embassy of the United States of America
207 Bank Street, Suite 418
Ottawa, ON, K2P 2N2

February 26, 2007

Dear Ambassador Wilkins,

I am writing on behalf of Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE), a non-profit, non-governmental organization that works to promote and protect press freedom and freedom of expression around the world.

CJFE is deeply concerned about the continued detention of American blogger and videographer Joshua Wolf on the charges of contempt of court. His charges stem from his refusal to turn over to a grand jury investigation, video footage of a July 8, 2005, clash between police officers and protestors in San Francisco.

Investigators allege the video contains evidence against the masked protestors and could link specific individuals to the damaging of a police car at the time of the protest. Wolf has since sworn under oath that nothing in his video relates to the police investigation. Despite his assertions, he has spent more time in prison than any other American journalist on work-related charges.

CJFE is concerned that Wolf's imprisonment may have a chilling affect on other American journalists who may choose not to report on matters of public importance out of fear of judicial harassment. We believe that the onus rests on the U.S. government to prove that it has exhausted all other avenues of investigation, that it has credible reason to believe that the requested materials contain specific evidence related to the crime, and that the accused has been given the opportunity to respond in a court of law.

CJFE maintains that Joshua Wolf poses no threat and should not be imprisoned while his appeal is pending. We strongly oppose the imprisonment of any journalist for simply doing their work, and call on the United States to use detainment only as a last resort, and to release Joshua Wolf immediately.

I look forward to your response.

Yours sincerely,

Arnold Amber, CJFE President

cc: Michael Wilson, Canadian Ambassador to the United States of America