Must. Protect. Yoots.

In Canada, the Young Offender Act (or whatever it’s currently called) protects anyone charged as a minor from being publicly shamed for their criminal activity.

This past weekend, six men escaped from the Regina Correctional Centre. One was captured quickly. The other five are still on the loose. They are all considered “armed and possibly dangerous” according to authorities.

So, you’d think that public safety would be a priority. You’d think that photos would be provided so that the public could avoid the five men and notify authorities if any of them are spotted. Well, the photos were provided but now one has been removed and it’s not because the man isn’t considered dangerous. Both the photo and his name cannot be published because he was a “young offender” when he was charged. (Oops … someone forgot to tell the Regina LeaderPost.) Great. His privacy is protected while the public is put at risk.

Isn’t escaping from jail a crime? And isn’t the man 19 years old now? So, he’s committed his latest offence as an adult. Publish his name and his photo.

update: The photo is back up as it should be.