The validity of a gun smuggling trial will be determined Tuesday morning, when a B.C. Supreme Court justice returns with a decision.
Alex Louie, also known by his Syilx name Senklip, is facing nine charges related to a Feb. 1 border crossing, in which he allegedly attempted to bring two handguns into Canada from the U.S.
Related: Alleged gun smuggler’s name disputed
A court clerk read out Senklip’s charges, to which he declined to enter a plea, repeating effectively the same statement for each charge.
“I reject the jurisdiction of the court, so asking me that before you prove your jurisdiction is putting the cart before the horse,” Senklip said, calling it an act of genocide and treason.
Senklip’s trial kicked off Monday morning with a jury selection, in which jurors only had to answer one question posed by Senklip: whether they have had relations with Indigenous people or experience on reserve.
After jury selection, the court entered a one-day pre-trial conference, much of which is covered by a publication ban, so as not to prematurely reveal evidence to the jury.
Related: Man charged with smuggling handguns across Osoyoos border
Related: Courtroom rabble rouser granted internet access in jail
Related: Man calls for judge’s arrest, gets trial date
signoff
