The incident involving a lawyer’s alleged assault by officers at the Oshawa courthouse has sparked significant discussion and controversy. The Ontario police watchdog, the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), has announced that it is not currently investigating the matter.
Details of the Incident
Sudine Riley, a defense lawyer, claimed she was violently attacked by multiple members of the Durham Regional Police Service while working in an interview room last week. According to her statement, uniformed officers confronted her and, without provocation, slammed her head against a desk.
Riley alleges that the officers used excessive force, including placing their knees on her back and neck, and dragged her to the basement cells. Her lawyer, Neha Chugh, described Riley as sustaining injuries, including a bleeding head and a swollen eye, due to the assault. Chugh emphasized that Riley had committed no offense except for practicing law as a Black woman.
Official Responses and Investigations
After the incident, the Durham police informed the SIU, but the agency stated that its mandate does not cover this situation as it lacks serious injury, death, or allegations of sexual assault. The SIU defines serious injury as one likely to interfere with a person’s health or comfort.
- Durham police confirmed that they are collaborating with court services to review evidence related to the incident.
- Riley has been charged under the Trespass to Property Act, and an internal investigation is underway.
- The involved officers have been reassigned to duties that do not involve courthouse security during this investigation.
Community and Legal Reactions
Multiple legal organizations condemned the alleged attack and are demanding an independent investigation. President of the Durham Regional Police Association, Andrew Tummonds, expressed support for transparency and accountability, asserting that the police association members seek an independent review of the incident despite the SIU’s decision.
The police association’s statements criticized some members of the legal community for what they termed “opportunistic conduct” in response to the incident. Tummonds urged for adherence to the principle of presumption of innocence in the ongoing discussions surrounding the events that transpired.
Next Steps
In light of the new information, the Durham police have formally referred the matter to the York Regional Police Service for a criminal investigation. This indicates a shift towards a more thorough examination of the events and potential misconduct by the officers involved.
This case raises significant questions about the treatment of legal professionals and the use of force in courthouse settings, and many await the findings of the independent investigations currently under review.
