CANADA
Sylvia’s Site
What a beautiful spot! I had always thought Iqaluit was flat and barren, Not flat at all – it’s hilly and rocky – and today, windy, windy and oh so COLD. Thankfully I bought a good pair of boots on Sunday – my toes are warm 🙂
So, landed safe and sound – luggage put away and then myself and friend headed for the courthouse and arrived in time for the afternoon session.
And there he was. Convicted Oblate clerical molester Father Eric Dejaeger, sitting at the defence table. Long straggly gray beard. Balding. Navy sweat shirt, sweatpants and canvas (?) navy shoes.
I’m not sure what I expected, but, there he was. In flesh and blood.
The courtroom layout is quite different here in Nunavut. I would love to take a picture to post for all to see, but, not allowed 🙁 The witness stand faces the judge – I am told that is because Inuit believe that they look a person in the eye that person can not lie. I was struck by that particular change in layout, and the reason for the change.
Father Eric Dejaeger barely took his eyes off the witnesses. He stared intently, rarely ever breaking his gaze. I spotted him stroking his beard a couple of times, but most of the time he rested his chin on clasped hands, occasionally chewing at a thumb nail or fiddling with his fingers.
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