Source: Julie Oliver / Ottawa Citizen

Graham Saul, 41, former executive director of Climate Action Network Canada, welcomes the court decision by Justice Paulina Brecher saying it protected the "right and responsibility" to protest "the reckless climate change and energy policies of the Harper government. It's a vindication of people's right to use public spaces for a protest because that's what they are for," said Saul.

He also said the court decision was a fitting way to celebrate the birthday of the late Mahatma Gandhi, the civil rights leader from India who was known for promoting justice through peaceful action.

Mark Ertel, a lawyer representing the group of 13, explained that the court dismissed the fines against his clients since an RCMP officer who testified "had no real evidence" to prove that any of the protesters had committed an offence. The 13 defendants refused to pay the $ 65 fine.

"This was not a radical act. What is radical is actively promoting policies that tear at the life-support systems of the planet and put people's lives in danger," said Liz Bernstein, whose charges were also tossed.

This trial ends three weeks before thousands of people are scheduled to gather in an act of peaceful civil disobedience in Victoria, B.C. (see DefendOurCoast.ca)