Former aboriginal leader begins second hate trial

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The Canadian Press
November 24, 2008

SASKATOON -- A second hate crime trial is underway for former aboriginal leader David Ahenakew.

The 75-year-old sat quietly in Saskatoon court as the Crown began presenting evidence he wilfully promoted hatred in 2002 by telling a newspaper reporter Jews were a "disease" and caused the Second World War.

Ahenakew avoided a throng of reporters during the lunch break, rushing off to visit his ailing wife during her dialysis treatment in hospital.

Defence lawyer Doug Christie says his client is not doing well because his wife and son are suffering from serious health issues.

Ahenakew, a former chief of the Assembly of First Nations, provoked nationwide outrage and was even stripped of his Order of Canada after the newspaper interview was published.

He was originally found guilty and fined $1,000, but the conviction was overturned on appeal.

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