A chilling account is emerging from the Oshawa courthouse, detailing allegations of a brutal encounter between racialized defence lawyer Sudine Riley and Durham Regional Police officers. The claims, which have sparked outrage and calls for immediate action, paint a disturbing picture of potential abuse of power and a challenge to the very foundations of the justice system.
According to a statement released by counsel representing Riley, the incident unfolded late on January 23rd. After completing a trial, Riley was working in an interview room when officers challenged her presence. What followed, the statement alleges, was a shocking escalation of force – a violent confrontation that left Riley injured and deeply shaken.
The lawyer’s statement describes a harrowing scene: Riley allegedly slammed headfirst onto a desk, then subjected to the weight of an officer kneeling on her back and neck. Words, delivered with “rage, disrespect and contempt,” reportedly accompanied the physical assault. The situation spiraled further as officers forcibly dragged her, handcuffed, to a basement cell.
Details emerging are particularly disturbing. Riley’s headscarf was ripped off during the arrest, her skirt was allegedly raised, and she sustained visible injuries – a bleeding head and a swollen eye from the impact with the desk. The statement asserts that the only “offence” committed was being a Black woman dedicated to the pursuit of justice.
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association has expressed profound shock at the allegations, emphasizing the critical importance of lawyers being able to perform their duties without fear of intimidation or violence. They are demanding a swift and independent investigation, specifically requesting expertise in addressing anti-Black racism to ensure impartiality and public trust.
Durham Regional Police acknowledge the seriousness of the claims and have initiated an internal investigation, reassigning the officers involved to duties away from courthouse security. They’ve also notified the Law Enforcement Complaints Agency, requesting they take the lead on the inquiry, affirming a commitment to due process for all involved.
However, concerns remain about the scope of the investigation. The province’s Special Investigations Unit, which typically handles cases involving serious injury or death, has not yet invoked its mandate, citing the current lack of evidence meeting their threshold for intervention.
The Federation of Ontario Law Associations has joined the chorus of voices demanding accountability, expressing being “shocked and appalled” by the accusations. They assert that an attack on a defence counsel is an attack on the rule of law itself, and are calling for comprehensive policy changes and training to protect all legal professionals within Ontario’s court spaces.
The incident has ignited a crucial conversation about safety, respect, and the potential for systemic bias within the justice system. The call for a thorough, impartial investigation resonates deeply, with many hoping it will lead to meaningful change and a renewed commitment to upholding the principles of fairness and equality for all.
