A martial artist who boarded an airplane with weapons in his luggage has won a two-year court battle against Montreal police.
Michael Ruckenstein, 75, and his wife Luz Paa were awarded a $7,500 in damages after they missed a flight to Australia when police stopped them over short sword-like weapons, called sais, in his bag.
A third dan black belt in shorinjuryu kentokukan, Ruckenstein said he travelled regularly to Australia with his wife for winter. He said he never encountered any problems until this trip, because he would always call airlines and customs to ensure his weapons were permitted on board.
But an hour before his June 6, 2007 flight to Australia, a Montreal police officer told him he couldn't board with his weapon.
"He said that's illegal. That's an illegal weapon. You're going to have to go to court. You're going to have to be fingerprinted and arrested. I said that's ludicrous, that's ridiculous. I've been doing this for seven consecutive years," said Ruckenstein, adding that the officers were bullying him and abusive. Ruckenstein was arrested.
While some martial arts weapons are prohibited on flights, even in checked luggage, sais are not among them.
Judge Daniel Dortelus agreed, ruling July 28 that while the Montreal police officers had reasonable motive to question Ruckenstein about his weapon, the arrest was unjustified and abusive. He ordered the city to pay Ruckenstein $7,500 in damages.
"I felt it should have been higher, I'll be honest with you," said Ruckenstein, who sued for $69,000.
Still, Ruckenstein said he feels vindicated, though he's not celebrating just yet, because the city has a few weeks to appeal the decision.
For a list of items prohibited from flights, please click here.
