Case Being Actively Handled

The case against Dr. Dick van Veltzen is actively being handled by the Crown in an appropriate and responsible manner, said Martin Herschorn, acting director of the Public Prosecution Service.

Mr. Herschorn was responding to documents filed yesterday in Nova Scotia Supreme Court by counsel for Dr. van Veltzen. The doctor, charged on Sept. 29 with improperly or indecently interfering or offering indignity to a dead human body or human remains, has made allegations against the Crown of undue delay and has asked that charges be dropped.

"The Crown does not and will not argue its cases through the media," said Mr. Herschorn. "But the suggestion that the Crown is conducting itself inappropriately is absolutely unfounded."

Mr. Herschorn said the Crown is prepared to address Dr. van Veltzen's concerns in the proper forum - the courtroom.