MONTREAL - Quebec Public Security Minister Robert Dutil defended himself Thursday against accusations that he interfered with a police investigation by trying to find out how news media got wind of the presence of a mole in the force.
Dutil, however, acknowledged that he acted in an exceptional manner by requesting to the provincial police to find out the source of leaks in the Ian Davidson case.
Speaking at a press briefing nearby the Liberal caucus in Victoriaville, Dutil said he had acted at the request of the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions.
The Parti Quebecois has accused the government of attempting to divert attention from real issues raised by the suicide of Ian Davidson, last month.
This former police officer was suspected of attempting to sell the Mafia a list containing the names of Montreal police informants.
Later Thursday PQ Public Safety spokesman Bertrand St-Arnaud accused the Liberals of using questionable practices.
The PQ MNA is urging an independent investigation to answer the many questions raised by the Davidson case.
