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CBLDF Gives US$10,000 More to Ryan Matheson's Legal Defense
posted on by Lynzee Loveridge
The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (CBLDF) announced on Thursday that it contributed an additional $10,000 to Ryan Matheson's legal defense thanks to donors. The additional funding will help cover Matheson's $75,000 legal defense costs.
Matheson was charged with possessing and importing child pornography by Canadian Customs after his bag and laptop were searched while crossing the Canadian border. The customs officer characterized manga found on his computer as child pornography. Those charges were just dropped in March, but Matheson's legal bills remain.
In a message to CBLDF supporters, Matheson says, “Thank you so much to everyone who contributed to the CBLDF! The donations raised so far have given me enough financial stability to finally get back on my feet and live my life normally instead of worrying about money so much. It's really encouraging to know that there are so many people out there that want to help stand up for comics and manga. I used to feel so isolated and alone but now I've realized that the comics and manga community is definitely one that cares about the things we love and is willing to stand up for our rights. Your donations really do help a lot and I am so grateful for all the support I've received so far. Thank you!”
Matheson is appearing at panels at San Diego's Comic-Con International and Baltimore's Otakon to discuss his case, and CBLDF will also be distributing literature advising convention goers of their rights.
