A judge has decided that key evidence explaining what led to the wrongful murder conviction of a Nova Scotia man who spent almost 17 years in prison should be released later this month.
The Canadian Press, CBC and the Halifax Examiner had asked Justice James Chipman for access to federal documents that include details of how 63-year-old Glen Assoun was improperly convicted of second-degree murder on Sept. 17, 1999.
READ MORE: Hearing set for release of evidence in quashing of Glen Assoun murder conviction
On March 1, after a two-decade struggle by Assoun to overturn his conviction, a judge found him innocent in the 1995 stabbing death of 28-year-old Brenda Way.
Canada’s justice minister has already declared there was “reliable and relevant evidence” that wasn’t disclosed during the criminal proceedings.
On Tuesday, Chipman said the “entirety” of the Justice Department assessment must be released on July 12, though he said he may order the removal of the names of three people who could be put at risk if their identities are revealed.
WATCH (March 1, 2019): Case against Nova Scotia man convicted of murder dropped
During opening arguments on Tuesday in the Nova Scotia Supreme Court, Chipman noted the onus falls squarely on the federal government and other interveners to show why the open court principle shouldn’t be applied.
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