Malinowski Talks About Bedouin's Cancelled Gig

10/28/08 5:13pm

by Kate Harper (CHARTattack)

Bedouin Soundclash frontman Jay Malinowski has spoken out about the Vancouver City Police's cancellation of a free show his band was supposed to play in support of the safe injection site Insite.

The performance was to have taken place last Friday, but more than 100 police officers showed up to the 100 block of Vancouver's East Hastings Street to cancel the gig before it began because they said organizers didn't have a permit.

Malinowski says the band learned the show had been cancelled when they were on their way there. But contrary to media reports, he says the band were on site to support the event and organizers, even though they weren't playing.

"I can't comment on the back and forth between the VPD and InSite workers, however, I think many people are aware that these two organizations do not have a great past relationship," Malinowski says. "From what I saw when we arrived, the police presence seemed overzealous. Regardless, the true importance of the event was to build a broader awareness for the program."

Malinowski also reaffirmed his band's support for the controversial safe injection program.

"It is an experiment in harm reduction and rehabilitation through human relationships and not force," he said. "I have grown up in Vancouver and this problem is not one that can be solved by heightened police force, but needs to work in conjunction with building stronger relationships with this forgotten community.

"It was extremely inspiring to have met with those people who have rehabilitated or are in rehabilitation, and we were deeply moved by their stories of hope and courage."