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Much of the charge opposing the event has been led by the Sun News Network and TV personality Ezra Levant, chairman of Ethical Oil, who has broadcast several éxposés of Mr. Suzuki.

At an event publicizing the trial in October, Mr. Levant barraged the environmentalist with questions, including some about Justice Sach’s involvement.

She stepped down a few days later.

Ms. Achtman said the group was complaining about Justice Ducharme to the Canadian Judicial Council (CJC) because it felt participating in the trial was a breach of ethical conduct.

The CJC suggests judges refrain from engaging in partisan activities and advises them to avoid political events that are likely to draw controversy. They are not barred from all acts of expression, but are expected to curtail any activities that could undermine the appearance of impartiality.

Ethical Oil’s complaint acknowledges other judges have taken part in mock trials in academic or theatrical settings. However, Ms. Achtman said Justice Ducharme’s participation in this event crossed the line into political work.

The complaint also alleges his play-acting could raise questions if he were to oversee cases involving oil and gas companies.

“It was so political and so partisan, there can be no question of a doubt in anyone’s mind that there was an anti-oilsands and anti-energy agenda,” she said.

During the “trial,” much of which was recorded, Justice Ducharme remained neutral. He instructed jurors — the audience — to listen to arguments for or against the environmentalist, and then to vote on Mr. Suzuki’s guilt or innocence.