Justice Centre says jailed Alberta pastor is to be released
Posted Mar 17, 2021 10:45 am.
Last Updated Mar 17, 2021 2:46 pm.
EDMONTON – A group that supports an Alberta pastor jailed after being charged with violating COVID-19 public-health orders says it expects him to be released in the coming days.
The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms (JCCF) says Crown prosecutors have dropped all but one charge against James Coates and have agreed to his release without bail conditions.
WATCH: Alberta pastor jailed for violating public health orders will remain behind bars until his trial in May
Prosecutors did not immediately return messages seeking comment.
Coates, who preaches at GraceLife Church west of Edmonton, has been in jail for a month for allegedly holding services that violated public health rules on gathering size.
Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms BREAKING NEWS: Pastor James Coates to be released from jail as Crown withdraws chargeshttps://t.co/PUECQC74m5
— Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms (@JCCFCanada) March 17, 2021
He was being held because he refused to abide by a bail condition that he not lead services at the church.
A trial on the charge of breaching the Alberta Public Health Act is set for May.
