By Canadian Press

Quebec media pen letter denouncing criminal trial held in secret, kept off docket

Mar 30, 2022 | 8:40 AM

MONTREAL — The heads of Quebec major newsrooms have penned an open letter denouncing a criminal trial involving a police informant held entirely in secret and kept off the official court docket.

The existence of the trial only became public because the police informant accused in the case appealed his or her conviction, and the appeals court issued a heavily redacted ruling critical of the lower court proceedings.

A letter signed by the newsroom leaders of the province’s major media outlets, including The Canadian Press, stated their indignation and deep concern over the “shadow trial” revealed in a judgment rendered by the Quebec Court of Appeal, which was first published by La Presse.

The letter addressed to the chief justices of the Quebec court, Superior Court and Court of Appeal says it is unacceptable that a trial took place for which no official records were kept regarding the court that heard the case and the identities of the judge or lawyers involved.

Quebec’s newsrooms are calling for an in-depth review of court practices to ensure such a trial doesn’t occur again.

Raiders win 5-3

Defensive scoring leads Raiders over Wheat Kings

35m ago

GST Holiday

Federal government's two-month GST holiday begins

16h ago

Imminent need

Council set to discuss possible location for homeless shelter on 15th Street

21h ago

In a decision date Feb. 28, a three-member Court of Appeal panel wrote the trial was “contrary to the fundamental principles that govern our justice system.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 30, 2022.

The Canadian Press