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Sexual assault trial resumes for military commander
who led Canada's vaccine rollout
Complainant told the judge last month that Fortin attacked her in 1988
Ashley Burke · CBC News ·
Posted: Oct 24, 2022 11:50 AM ET |
Maj.-Gen. Dany Fortin, right, arrives in uniform with his wife Madeleine Collin and daughter at a Gatineau, Que. courthouse on Monday. (Spencer Colby/The Canadian Press)
WARNING: This article contains graphic content and may affect those who have experienced sexual violence or know someone affected by it.
Maj.-Gen. Dany Fortin resumed his testimony on the third day of his sexual assault trial Monday by attempting to prove that anyone could have entered the complainant's room in 1988.
Fortin used a map of the campus at the Royal Military College Saint-Jean in Quebec to argue that, since the doors were unlocked to aid evacuation in the event of a fire, others had access to the complainant's room at the time of the alleged assault.
A woman whose identity is protected under a court-ordered publication ban testified last month that, "without a doubt," she recognized Fortin as the person who attacked her more than 30 years ago. The woman testified that she woke up in her bed in the barracks to find Fortin holding her hand on his genitals and using it to masturbate.
Fortin, the former head of Canada's COVID-19 vaccine campaign, has maintained his innocence. He claims he never had any physical contact with the complainant. His lawyer has argued during the criminal trial that the woman incorrectly identified him as the perpetrator.
On Monday, Fortin described photos from an RMC yearbook from that era. He told the presiding judge that another cadet had the same last name and they both went by the nickname "Fort."
The complainant has described the alleged assault in her testimony, telling Fortin's trial she was "horrified" and pushed Fortin away and that Fortin then pulled up his pants and left her room. The complainant said she identified her attacker as Fortin.
Fortin was charged in 2021 with sexual assault in relation to that alleged incident in 1988. At the time, Fortin was a cadet at the Royal Military College in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec.
He opted for a trial without a jury. He testified in September that everyone had to sleep with their bedroom doors unlocked in the barracks for fire safety reasons and that he never entered the woman's room.
Fortin appeared Monday in the Quebec civilian courthouse dressed in his uniform and wearing his military medals, despite controversy over his decision to wear the outfit to civilian court.
Maj.-Gen. Dany Fortin drew criticism after wearing his full military uniform, including 10 medals, while on trial in civilian court for sexual assault.
Military sexual trauma survivors said last month that it was triggering to see Fortin in his uniform and called it an act of intimidation against the complainant.
In response, the military said it would decide whether members accused of crimes can wear uniforms in civilian court.
The Canadian Armed Forces is experiencing a sexual misconduct crisis. Fortin is one of several current and former senior Canadian military leaders who have been investigated, criminally charged or forced into retirement since 2021 from some of the most prestigious posts in the defence establishment.
Support is available for anyone who has been sexually assaulted. You can access crisis lines and local support services through this Government of Canada website or the Ending Violence Association of Canada database. If you're in immediate danger, or fear for your safety or that of others around you, please call 911.
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Former senator says he is 'absolutely not guilty' of sexual assault
Don Meredith's first day in court will be Oct. 27
John Paul Tasker · CBC News ·
Posted: Oct 24, 2022 11:58 AM ET
Don Meredith leaves a Senate committee in Ottawa in this April 2017 file photo. Meredith faces four criminal charges related to allegations of sexual assault. (Sean Kilpatrick/Canadian Press)
Embattled former senator Don Meredith will take on his accuser in court and tells CBC News he is "absolutely not guilty" of sex crimes.
Meredith's criminal defence attorney, Mustafa Sheikh, said Meredith "will fight the charges against him," suggesting he won't negotiate a plea bargain with the Crown.
"At this time, Mr. Meredith only wishes to say that he is absolutely not guilty of any criminal wrongdoing," Sheikh said.
Meredith's first day in court will be on Oct. 27.
Ottawa police laid four charges against Meredith, 58, earlier this month — three counts of sexual assault and one count of criminal harassment in connection with incidents alleged to have happened in 2013 and 2014.
According to court documents, Meredith is alleged to have engaged in "threatening conduct" that caused a person — identified only by their initials, I.L. — to fear for their safety.
The documents also describe at least three separate occasions when Meredith is alleged to have sexually assaulted the complainant, I.L., in contravention of section 271 of the Criminal Code.
The police have said the complainant is an adult.
Eight former Senate staffers and a parliamentary constable have alleged Meredith acted inappropriately toward them while he was serving in the upper house.
That alleged behaviour included unwanted kissing and touching and exposure of his penis, along with yelling and aggressive behaviour in the office. The Senate ethics officer investigated these claims as part of a years-long probe and found them credible.
The former senator is also alleged to have had a sexual relationship with a teenage girl.
Meredith's lawyer raised concerns about an effort at the Senate to strip him of his "honourable" title — which, as a former senator, he holds for life — and other privileges.
Quebec Sen. Josée Verner, with the support of a number of other senators, introduced a motion last week to claw back these parliamentary perks.
Sen., Josée Verner is spearheading an attempt to strip former senator Don Meredith of his privileges.
(Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press)
Two of Meredith's alleged victims spoke to CBC News about the motion, imploring the current slate of senators to cut ties with him once and for all.
They say his alleged conduct, and the resulting criminal charges, demand a strong response from the upper house.
But further debate on the motion was blocked after some senators raised concerns about its constitutionality.
Sheikh said any move by the Senate against his client could threaten his day in court.
"The presumption of innocence is one of the fundamental pillars of our criminal justice system. It should not be a principle that should be treated lightly on any front and preemptive actions to discipline Mr. Meredith would only serve to politicize this matter and devalue the legal process," Sheikh said.
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