Ontario’s police watchdog has stated that it is not conducting an investigation into an alleged police assault reported at the Oshawa courthouse. According to a lawyer, Sudine Riley, she was physically harmed by multiple Durham Regional police officers without provocation. The incident occurred after Riley had completed a trial and was working in an interview room when uniformed officers confronted her presence in the room.
The lawyer’s representative, Neha Chugh, described how the officers violently handled Riley, including slamming her head on a desk, putting their knees on her back and neck, and disrespecting her verbally. Subsequently, the officers forcibly removed Riley from the room, causing injuries including a swollen eye and a bleeding head, after ripping off her headscarf and raising her skirt.
The Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) has initiated an investigation into the incident, which took place at the courthouse on Jan. 23. The DRPS is collaborating with court services to gather and review evidence related to the case. Despite being questioned about transferring the investigation to an external body, the DRPS emphasized the seriousness with which they are treating the matter.
Following these allegations, concerns about safety have been raised among lawyers working at the Oshawa courthouse. The Women in Canadian Criminal Defence (WICCD) group, representing 800 lawyers nationwide, penned a letter to Justice Lara Crawford, the administrative judge at the courthouse, seeking assurances on enhanced safety measures before their return to work. The group expressed unease and urgency regarding the situation, with some members feeling on edge.
Notably, calls for an independent investigation have emerged from various fronts, including the Criminal Lawyers’ Association (CLA) and the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers (CABL). These organizations have stressed the need for transparency and accountability in handling such incidents. Sudine Riley, through her legal representative, mentioned taking time to recover before deciding on her next steps, while CABL stands in support of her seeking justice and resolution.
The Federation of Ontario Law Associations (FOLA) has also joined the voices advocating for a thorough and impartial investigation into the alleged assault on Riley. The association emphasized the importance of ensuring a safe working environment for all lawyers within Ontario’s courthouses, condemning any form of violence or intimidation that undermines the rule of law.