DELTA--"DFO has again shown its complete disregard for the rule of law and due process and has seized nets and fish caught by commercial fishermen in a protest fishery in Port Alberni last night," said John Cummins, M.P. (Delta-South Richmond).

Demonstrating a complete disdain for private property, fishery officers hacked away with knives at fishermen's nets and threw the dead fish overboard thereby depriving hard pressed fishermen of whatever monies that could have been earned from their sale.

A year ago fishery officers seized the nets and catch of two fishermen protesting the same native-only commercial fishery.

Charges were never laid. The fishermen's nets were returned. Even more important, DFO paid for the seized fish.

The outrageous actions of the fishery officers against the peaceful protesters stands in stark contrast to DFO's inaction on the month long illegal fishery conducted by the Cheam Band and backed by an armed and masked native militia.

Last night no charges were laid against natives who fished well beyond the scheduled midnight closure of the fishery.

"As Judge Thomas stated, DFO's disregard for the law in this matter brings the administration of justice into disrepute."