ACCUSED MURDERER RELEASED on BAIL

ACCUSED MURDERER RELEASED on BAIL
Gay Bouncer Getting Special Treatment?

It has just been reported that 27 year old, Sasan Ansari, has been released on bail. Mr. Aansari was charged with second degree murder of Joshua Goos, on the grounds of the prestigious Hollyburn Country Club a few months back.

Mr. Ansari is a gay bouncer at the local Vancouver gay nightclub, the Odyssey.

Mr. Aansari has numerous restrictions placed on his release, including $400,000 bail, he must reside with his wealthy parents in tony West Vancouver and he must obey a 9pm-6am curfew. Additionally, he must report to a bail supervisor weekly.

This murder and the subsequent release on bail of Mr. Ansari raises a number of concerns. The first being is it appropriate to release on bail, someone accused of murder? Ok I know there is the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. Fair enough. However, a crown normally does not approve a charge unless it can meet a twofold test. Does the evidence support a likelihood of conviction and is it in the public interest.

So while, Mr. Aansari will eventually have his day in court, and if there is enough evidence to warrant a charge, why then has there been a release?

According to an unnamed legal expert, those charged with murder rarely re-offend. Hopefully, this is because they are locked away.

While a judge has information available to them in regard to granting or denying of bail, thus making one assumes an informed decision to release. Obviously, a judge will take into consideration a number of factors such as, is the accused likely to re-offend and is he a flight risk?

Still there must be consideration of a number of matters, including does the release have any impact on the public? For example: does the public want someone in their midst who is charged with a serious offence such as murder? Should the public fear someone who is charged probably with the most serious and heinous of all crimes? Should the public have access to the evidence or information that the crown used in relation to the laying of the aforementioned charge? While the public is entitled to review the information regarding the judge's release order of the accused, is this information sufficient to alleviate fear within the public of an accused murderer being free to roam in their midst?

In any case, I suspect this case may bring interest to Vancouver citizens. It has interwoven dynamics and scandal which make it extremely voyeuristic. Add to the mix, that the Crown and Defence have stated that Mr. Goos and Mr, Sansari were friends.

I'll keep watching and bringing information to the forefront regarding this case because friends do not normally murder one another.

Stay tuned folks!

Jamie Lee Hamilton
jamieleehamilton@hotmail.com