A lawyer claims she was left with injuries after several officers from the Durham Regional police allegedly slammed her head on a desk without any reason, removed her head scarf, and dragged her to the basement cells of the Oshawa courthouse last week.
In a statement released by her attorney, Neha Chugh, defence lawyer Sudine Riley had just finished a trial late on Friday and was working in an interview room when uniformed officers confronted her about being there.
Chugh’s statement said that while acting as security, the police forcefully slammed Riley’s head onto the desk and placed their knees on her back and neck, speaking to her with “rage, disrespect, and contempt.”
She added that officers then forcibly “dragged” Riley out of the room while she was handcuffed and took her down to the courthouse’s basement cells.
“Her head scarf was ripped off, her skirt was raised when she was handled by officers, and she had bleeding on her head along with a swollen eye from being slammed into the desk,” Chugh’s statement mentioned.
“She did nothing wrong except be a Black woman practicing law who is committed to seeking justice.”
Chugh’s statement does not specify how many officers were involved in this incident.
Lawyer Sudine Riley asserts that several Durham Regional police officers slammed her head onto a desk without provocation and pulled her to the basement cells of the Oshawa courthouse last week. To the right is an image showing an injury she sustained during this event. (Submitted by Neha Chugh)
The Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) has informed that it has initiated an investigation into what happened shortly after 5 p. m. at the courthouse on Jan. 23.
In its response to , DRPS Sgt. Janalyn Dowdle stated that they are collaborating with court services to gather and review all evidence related to this incident.
inquired whether DRPS would transfer the investigation to another police service since allegations have been made against its own members.
“The allegations stemming from this matter are taken very seriously,” Dowdle replied via email.
“DRPS has assigned suitable investigative resources for thorough understanding of what occurred and determining if any additional actions are necessary.”
Dowdle also mentioned that no further details can be shared at this time due to the ongoing investigation.
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Cassandra De Melo, president of Women in Canadian Criminal Defence, shared concerns about members feeling unsafe at Oshawa courthouse following January 23’s alleged assault. (De Melo Heath Cote)
De Melo explained that her request for enhanced safety measures has been referred to legal advisors for both Ontario Court of Justice (OCJ) and Superior Court of Justice (SCJ).
She mentioned that courts take these matters seriously; however WICCD’s inquiries have thus far gone “unanswered.”
No matter how long investigations continue; De Melo noted worries persist regarding lawyers needing to work late hours and what kind of interactions they may face with security personnel.
The Oshawa courthouse operates from 8:30 a. m. until 5 p. m., Monday through Friday.
Nontheless , it is not unusual for lawyers to stay beyond closing hours finishing up tasks; sometimes even requested by judges themselves.
This raises concerns about whether lawyers will feel safe doing so at Oshawa moving forward.
reached out for comments from Justice Crawford which were sent over to OCJ.
“The safety and security of everyone who works within or visits any courthouses across Ontario is our top priority,” Jason Gennaro spokesperson stated on behalf OCJ.
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Theresa Donkor , defence lawyer along with Director Advocacy CABL calls upon independent probe into case. (Supplied by Rudnicki & Company Criminal Lawyers)
Donkor emphasized having impartial organization investigate could alleviate doubts concerning fairness throughout process.”Situations like these require complete openness,” she remarked.
Through statements made via attorney Sudine Riley indicated taking time needed heal before deciding future course action.
Donkor reassured CABL stands firmly behind Riley hoping careful handling resolves matter properly.
Lawyers ‘on edge’: advocacy group
While these claims haven’t been proven in court yet, safety worries have been expressed by lawyers working at Oshawa courthouse. The Women in Canadian Criminal Defence (WICCD), which consists of 800 lawyers nationwide, sent a letter on Sunday to Ontario Court Justice Lara Crawford, who oversees operations at the courthouse, seeking assurance that adequate safety measures were implemented before their members returned this week. Cassandra De Melo, a practising defence lawyer from London, Ont., who leads WICCD, described this situation as “bizarre,” noting she felt compelled to write a letter because it seemed urgent for their group. “It’s unsettling. It’s made us all anxious,” De Melo told during an interview on Tuesday.Calls for independent investigation
also asked if Ontario’s solicitor general would step forward enabling an independent body handle investigation instead. Brent Ross , spokesperson representing ministry stated “Because we are currently under active police probe , we cannot provide specifics.” However advocates believe it wouldn’t be right allowing DRPS continue looking into these events. Theresa Donkor , defence attorney alongside director advocating Canadian Association Black Lawyers ( CABL ) expressed great worry over lack indication independent inquiry would occur.“I recognize we’re still dealing merely allegations presently but once full inquiry takes place should claims prove accurate accountability must follow,” Donkor stressed.
Allegations ‘deeply concerning,’ lawyers association says
A recent statement released Tuesday reveals Criminal Lawyers’ Association( CLA ) expressing grave concern surrounding allegations involving Riley asserting they pose serious human rights issues too.
The association urges Durham Region’s chief police officer appoint external investigator knowledgeable regarding human rights/anti-Black racism conduct investigations regarding concerned officers involved.’All lawyers deserve work safely within courthouses situated throughout Ontario,’ reported statement noted.’Sadly , questioning one’s presence inside courthouse remains far too common experience especially among female/racialized attorneys particularly racialized women.’
A call-to-action originated open letter signed Federation Ontario Law Associations( FOLA ) directed towards judges , attorney general as well as solicitor general Wednesday demanding “prompt thorough impartial” probing processes undertaken.”We feel shocked/appalled recognizing severity pertaining allegations suggesting physical attack multiple authorities aimed towards female racialized counsel represents direct affront rule law.” concluded letters contents.”
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