Ontario’s police oversight body has stated it isn’t currently looking into claims that officers assaulted a lawyer at an Oshawa, Ont., courthouse last week.
The Special Investigations Unit mentioned it was alerted to the incident by Durham regional police on Tuesday but hasn’t taken action so far. It clarified that its authority only covers cases involving officers that lead to serious injuries, death, sexual assault accusations, or when an officer uses their firearm against someone.
A statement from Sudine Riley’s attorney claims the defense lawyer ended up bleeding and swollen after Durham police officers forcefully slammed her head against a desk in an interview room where she was working last Friday.
Neha Chugh indicated that the officers placed their knees on her client’s back and neck, then dragged her out of the room in handcuffs before taking her to the cells located in the courthouse basement. She noted that Riley, who is Black, also had her head scarf removed and her skirt pulled up during this process.
Durham regional police announced Thursday that they have informed the Law Enforcement Complaints Agency about this incident and have reassigned the involved officers to roles that don’t include courthouse security duties.
“However, they are entitled to due process during this investigation, as required by law,” stated the police force.
The authorities said they’ve charged Riley with trespassing.
Chugh expressed on Thursday that her client plans to plead not guilty “and looks forward to challenging the Durham Regional Police Services’ evidence at trial.”
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) released a statement expressing its concern regarding the reported use of excessive force by officers against Riley at the Oshawa courthouse.
“Any incident involving the alleged use of force against counsel in a courthouse raises serious concerns about the rule of law and administration of justice. Lawyers must be able to represent their clients and attend court without fear of intimidation or violence,” read the statement.
“The CCLA echoes the call of other legal and advocacy organizations for a swift and independent investigation into this incident, including expertise in anti-Black racism.”
Police stated they are taking Riley’s allegations “extremely seriously” while their own inquiry into what occurred continues.
However, legal groups such as the Criminal Lawyers’ Association have demanded an independent investigation into what transpired, emphasizing that lawyers should feel safe while working in Ontario’s courthouses.
The Canadian Bar Association supported these calls on Thursday, insisting that this situation must be “thoroughly, transparently and independently investigated without delay.”
With files from Lucas Casaletto, City News
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