Dawn Ostrem
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Jun 21/00) - A show of support from community members was instrumental in the release of Walter Lothar Ebke on Friday.

Supreme Court Justice J.E. Richard set bail at $100,000, saying it is to Ebke's credit so many people in the community are willing to vouch for his trustworthiness and post bail money.

Walter Ebke, out on bail, must report to the RCMP every day.

"I am satisfied Mr. Ebke's further attendance in court can be insured by other means," he said.

Stephen Fancott, who housesat Ebke's home, the Back Bay Boat Bed and Breakfast, for a short period of time after his arrest May 18, testified in court. The evidence submitted by him and other supporters cannot be published due to a publication ban.

"I support Lothar," he said in a post-trial interview. "I'm pleased of the outcome and hope everything will be resolved in a just way down the road."

Crown counsel Shelagh Kreagh of Edmonton attempted to argue Ebke's character was that of a manipulator and that his alleged involvement with the Revolutionary Cells terrorist group in Germany should not be overshadowed by the seemingly relaxed lifestyle he has been leading in Yellowknife.

"All of (their) knowledge of Ebke seems to be somewhat superficial," she said about the affidavits submitted by at least three supporters who were cross-examined at the trial. "They were sucked in."

"There is nothing to hold him here. He'll be gone, there's no doubt about it, he'll be gone."

Ebke's lawyer Adrian Wright used case law to argue Ebke's legal right, when applying Criminal Code provisions to the Extradition Act, to be released.

He presented the difficulties in leaving Yellowknife, his business -- Lothar's Workmanship Solutions and the bed and breakfast -- as well as his ties to the community as reasons for him not to want to leave.

"These are individuals who know Mr. Ebke well ... and collectively there are a number of individuals involved and all are aware of the allegations of the German authorities," he said. "That speaks to the likelihood he will not go anywhere and speaks to the ties he has to the community."

Wright added, "There are not many ways to get out of Yellowknife."

A payment of $25,000 in cash was ordered and three sureties of $25,000 each were required from Ebke's supporters. He is to be in court again July 13 when a date will be set for an extradition hearing.

As a condition of his bail, Ebke must report to RCMP on a daily basis, respond to any reasonable request from them to confirm he is in Yellowknife, not leave the municipality and inform them of any change of address, occupation or employment.

Ebke is also ordered to not have any direct or indirect contact with two individuals from Germany who supplied testimony to authorities about his alleged role in the Revolutionary Cells.

The German terrorist group is thought to be involved in shootings and bombings in Germany by German authorities.