JUDGE DENIES BAIL FOR NYGARD OVER SEX TRAFFICKING CHARGES

Fashion designer Peter Nygard was denied bail on Friday by a judge in Winnipeg on a U.S. extradition request over charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. Police arrested him in Winnipeg on Dec. 14, on nine counts of sex trafficking and racketeering in the U.S. Nygard, 79, who appeared in court by video, has denied the allegations. Justice Shawn Greenberg said she was concerned he could tamper with witnesses if released. His lawyers had argued that poor health left Nygard vulnerable were he to catch the COVID in prison, but that “is not a get-outof-jail-free card,” Greenberg said on denying him release. Nygard gave no discernible reaction to the decision. Canada has not yet received full evidence disclosure of evidence, and the justice ministry must still decide whether the case warrants a formal extradition hearing.