Updated: Tue Feb. 17 2009 08:16:26

ctvbc.ca

You might think their sole priority is public safety -- but there was something else on the minds of security staff at the Vancouver International Airport in the early morning hours of October 14th 2007.

A polish immigrant lay dying on the floor in the arrivals area and airport security got involved in a way that has some at a public inquiry talking about a cover-up.

Fabian D'Sa was at the scene when Polish immigrant Robert Dziekanski was struggling with police.

The security guard who works at Vancouver Airport, told the inquiry into Dziekanski's death , that he saw a police officer with his knee on Dziekasnki's back, and described the action of police as 'pinning him.'

"You saw one officer with his knee in the back and on the neck of Mr. Dziekanski, correct?" D'Sa was asked. "Correct," he replied

The public can see exactly what D'Sa is talking about on Paul Pritchard's witness video.

But what concerned some inquiry lawyers, was why the security guard stood in front of Pritchard's camera, blocking what has become crucial evidence.

Commission lawyer Art Vertlieb asked him why he was in that position on the tape taken by Mr. Pritchard.

"To have some privacy," he replied.

"Were you instructed to go there?" Vertlieb wanted to know.

"Yes I believe I was. By my supervisor," D'Sa said.

That supervisor, Trevor Enchelmaier, testified he has no memory of instructing D'Sa to block Dziekanski from view. He says he doesn't remember anyone with a video camera being there either.

"I don't recall anything about a video camera..." Enchelmaier said.

"You can see that he is clearly blocking the camera. Blocking the view of the camera in those areas as to what is going on. The conclusions have to be drawn by the public watching that," said Walter Kostecky, the Dziekanski family lawyer.

The lawyer representing Vancouver International Airport's interests was concerned about what D'Sa might say to reporters after he testified.

"If it was you I would've done the same thing,'' the airport lawyer said. "I would have given you the same privacy as well because you are an individual. It's not just about Robert or anyone. It's everyone. It's a question of you don't want to see yourself a couple of weeks later on Youtube, please sir."

Without Pritchard's video it would've been much more difficult for anyone to piece together the facts of this tragedy.

The Dziekanski family lawyer wonders what else might have been learned if Vancouver Airport security had not blocked the camera.

With a report by CTV British Columbia's Peter Grainger

Comments are now closed for this story

Dan
Of course there is a coverup. Are you people blind? Airport security calls the police when situations get out of control, so when the police were on their way they were thinking the worst. Then you have a bunch of testosterone junkies on an adreno high ready to take action. Zap, and what the hell .. hit 'em again with a few more zaps to get things under control. oops he's dead. The problem is not the tasers as much as it is the operators. Sure they are not lethal, thats the problem. With that mindset, these guys just hold down the trigger sending a 50,000 volt shock through your body for as long as they feel they need. Just watch a few episodes of COPS, the suspect NEVER gets blasted just one time.. these things need a limiter, 2 x 3 second bursts before it needs to be reset by a device at HQ. Until then, each officer should be required to fill out the paperwork after each use like a firearm, misapropriation of their use should be grounds for suspension WITHOUT PAY or dismissal.

Scott
Having been in the service of an emergency response agency, I find the focus on the securty guard positioning himself between people not directly involved and the scene that does present a danger to the public to not be in the intrest of the public good.
People in uniform are there for the safety of the public. If the commission lawyers are serious about wanting to have a better view, then it might be best for them to give up the cheap seat and wear a uniform.
I do not think that the public has the stomache to all be exposed to the scenes that are a part of every day in the life of a responder, regardless of the uniform or service.
Let's focus on the legitimate concerns with the death of Mr. Dziekanski without victimizing the people who are professional at their service.

???
I agree the victim should have privacy. If you look at the video, the victim only got violent AFTER the cameras were turned on him like a caged animal. The victim said he wanted me to "left alone", not to be publicly humiliated. This YouTube generation needs some serious review of privacy rights and sensitivity issues.

What do you think of this allegation?

Merlin.......Surrey
LETS GET REAL HERE !!!!
It is common practice for RCMP to place their knee on a victim's neck to pin him to the ground while placing handcuffs. It has been seen time and time again in other videos. Also if you look close enough the police officer in this video putting his full body weight on his neck. That alone could kill someone.
Tasered five times, then full body weight on his neck....No wonder he died.