The Current

Jian Ghomeshi not guilty on all charges due to 'reasonable doubt'

The judge has ruled Jian Ghomeshi is not guilty of all charges claiming inconsistencies in complainants' stories that prompted reasonable doubt. Judge Horkins did add that does not mean the events did not occur. Our panelists react to the judgement.
Ontario Court Justice William Horkins pronounced Jian Ghomeshi not guilty on all five charges relating to three women. One of the women, Lucy DeCoutere, (shown here) waived her right to a publication ban on her identity. DeCoutere was in court when the ruling was given but did not address reporters. (Chris So/Toronto Star/Getty Images)

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A decision has just come down in the trial of former CBC radio host Jian Ghomeshi — a case that has become one of the highest profile sex assault cases in this country's history.

Ontario Court Justice William Horkins has ruled Ghomeshi is not guilty on all five charges saying there is reasonable doubt. Justice Horkins also said having reasonable doubt is not the same as saying the events did not occur.

The evidence fails to prove allegations.- Justice William Horkins on ruling of Ghomeshi trial

The Current's panelists discuss the implications of this case on the wider issue of sexual assault and it's prosecution in the courts.

Guests in this segment:

  • Farrah Khan, sexual violence support and education coordinator at Ryerson University.
  • Antonia Zerbisias, freelance writer who writes on women's issues and politics.
  • Susan Vella, lawyer with Rochon Genova in Toronto, has been representing survivors in civil cases related to sexual assault for 25 years.

This segment was produced by The Current's Pacinthe Mattar and Ines Colabrese.

Jian Ghomeshi is scheduled to face another sexual assault trial in June, stemming from an alleged workplace incident when he was a CBC radio host. He has pleaded not guilty.