Hundreds rallied in front of Montreal’s courthouse on Sunday to condemn a light sentence imposed by a Quebec judge Matthew Poliquin a person who pleaded guilty sexual assault and voyeurism.
Protest co-organizer Alexandra Dupuy says the decision to grant conditional discharge The case of sexual harassment has shown how inadequate the justice system is to deal with such cases.
Trois-Riveres, Que. I chose to give Poliquin last week Simon Hawley Probation and a conditional leave, partly because a conviction would make it harder for Haule to travel as an engineer.
Poliquin said the 2019 attack happened “all too quickly”, adding that Hawley, who was convicted last year, had taken therapy seriously and sincerely regretted his actions.
“A sentence other than discharge would have a significant impact on his career as an engineer,” the judge wrote. “It is in the general interest that the accused, an asset to the society, can continue his professional career.”
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People take part in a protest against Judge Matthew Poliquin’s decision in the case against a man convicted of sexual assault and voyeurism, Sunday, July 10, 2022, in Montreal.
Canadian Press/Graham Hughes
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People take part in a protest against Judge Matthew Poliquin’s decision in the case against a man convicted of sexual assault and voyeurism, Sunday, July 10, 2022, in Montreal.
Canadian Press/Graham Hughes
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A woman participates in a protest against the decision of Judge Matthew Poliquin in the case of a man convicted of sexual assault and voyeurism, Sunday, July 10, 2022, in Montreal.
Canadian Press/Graham Hughes
Hawley also admitted during therapy to assaulting another person in 2015, and Poliquin described that admission as relatable but said it also showed a “desire for transparency.”
While most people are criticizing Poliquin, Dupuy says, it is the legal process that should be questioned and revisited.
Quebec’s crown prosecutor’s office – the Directeur des Porsuits Criminales et Paines (DPCP) – said it would appeal the judge’s sentencing decision.
Justice Minister David Lametti would not comment last week when asked by Global News whether he believes conditional discharge is being used in sexual assault cases to be reviewed.
“Our government is fully committed to ensuring that Canada’s criminal justice system shows compassion to victims, holds criminals accountable and upholds the Charter of Rights and Freedoms,” said Chantal Aubertin, Lametti’s press secretary. said in an email.
“In view of this the matter is being appealed [DPCP]It would be unfair to comment.”
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