His crime? Publishing those "Mohammed" cartoons.

The accused, Ezra Levant, delivered a stirring opening statement at his interrogation. Here's an excerpt:

"I believe that this commission has no proper authority over me. The commission was meant as a low-level, quasi-judicial body to arbitrate squabbles about housing, employment and other matters, where a complainant felt that their race or sex was the reason they were discriminated against. The commission was meant to deal with deeds, not words or ideas.

"Now the commission, which is funded by a secular government, from the pockets of taxpayers of all backgrounds, is taking it upon itself to be an enforcer of the views of radical Islam. So much for the separation of mosque and state..."

Do read the whole thing.

In solidarity with Ezra, I've posted the Mohammed cartoons on my blog (again). So has Catholic blogger Mark Shea.

Meanwhile, the persecution of Mark Steyn by the same Human Rights Commissions continues. You can follow this ongoing saga at FreeMarkSteyn.