Quebec announces probe in case of Montreal man exonerated in cop assault case

MONTREAL — Quebec’s public security minister has announced an investigation to determine why a Montreal man was wrongfully arrested, charged and detained for almost a week in connection with an attack on a city police officer.

Genevieve Guilbault said today that Superior Court Justice Louis Dionne will probe whether Montreal police acted properly in the case of Mamadi III Fara Camara.

Camara was arrested Jan. 28 after a police officer was allegedly disarmed and attacked after a traffic stop in Montreal’s Parc Extension borough.

He was charged with attempted murder and spent almost a week in detention before prosecutors dropped all charges against him after they said evidence had surfaced absolving him.

Guilbault said today in a statement that Dionne will be asked to verify whether the police acted in accordance with the legal framework and proper practices, and to make recommendations on how to avoid a similar situation in the future.

She said Dionne’s investigation will begin Feb. 22 and last a maximum of five months.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 9, 2021.

The Canadian Press