CBLDF Case Files – Canada Customs Case

Imagine traveling to another country and having your comic books and electronic devices seized. Then, you’re arrested because of the books you read. This may seem like a horror story, but for one comics reader, it’s come true.

Right now an American citizen — we’ll call him Brandon, although that’s not his real name — is facing a minimum sentence of year in a Canadian prison and being forced to register as a sex offender. Just for having comics on his laptop. This incident is the most serious in a trend the CBLDF has been tracking involving the search and seizure of the print and electronic comic books carried by travelers crossing borders. Please help us fight this case and protect comics by making a tax deductible contribution today.

In 2010, Brandon X, an American citizen, computer programmer, and comic book enthusiast in his mid-twenties was flying from his home in the United States to Canada to visit a friend. Upon arrival at Canadian Customs a customs officer conducted a search of Brandon and his personal belongings, including his laptop, iPad, and iPhone. The customs officer discovered manga on the laptop and considered it to be child pornography. (Brandon’s real name is being withheld on the request of counsel for reasons relating to legal strategy.)

The images at issue are all comics in the manga style. No photographic evidence of criminal behavior is at issue. Nevertheless, a warrant was issued and the laptop was turned over to police. Now Brandon has been charged with both the possession and importation of “child pornography” for having comics on his computer. If convicted at trial, he faces a minimum of one year in prison. This case could have far reaching implications for readers of comic books and manga in North America, who increasingly read and experience comics on their computers.

The CBLDF has agreed to assist in the case by contributing funds towards the defense, which it has been estimated will cost $150,000 CDN. The CBLDF will also provide access to experts and assistance on legal strategy. The CBLDF’s efforts are joined by the recently re-formed Comic Legends Legal Defense Fund, a Canadian organization that will contribute to the fundraising effort.

This isn’t the only case of comics being targeted by customs officials. Last spring cartoonists Tom Neely and Dylan Williams were on the way to a convention when they were stopped at the border and art comics in their possession were seized. In fact, Canada Customs routinely seizes comics of all kinds, as you can see here. If you or someone you know is traveling internationally, please read our Advisory on traveling with comics before getting on the plane.

Anyone who crosses international borders with print or electronic comic books is at risk. Please help the CBLDF fight this disturbing trend. You can help by spreading the word, letting us know of other incidents, and, most importantly, making a tax deductible contribution today. Together, we can make a difference.

You Can Help!

Be Informed – Know how to protect yourself when you’re traveling with comics.  Read our Advisory on traveling with comics before getting on the plane.

Make A Donation — Defending cases like this one costs a lot of money.  If you believe that being arrested for reading comics and manga is unjust, please make a donation to the CBLDF today. Sign up for membership or make a donation in any amount. Every dollar helps us raise the funds that will help pay for this case and to create resources to help prevent others like it. Donate now!

Spread the Word — Let your friends know about this important issue by spreading the word.  The more people aware of this case and the risks facing people traveling with comics and manga, the more likely we’ll be able prevent the next case before it starts.

Tell Us Your Story — Have you or someone you know experienced a search or seizure at any border because of comics in your possession?  Tell the CBLDF!  Send us and email, and tell us your story.  The more we know, the better able we are to help.

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Joining the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund puts you on the front line of the fight against censorship! Your membership dollars provide the tools to fight back when comic book readers, retailers, and artists are muzzled, censored, or attacked! When you become a CBLDF member, you are proclaiming that comics are important and that you are a protector of their First Amendment rights! Join now!Read the full post