Quebec police watchdog favoured officers' version of events after fatal 2017 intervention, judge rules
A family has won a legal case against a Quebec police watchdog concerning the death of 28-year-old Koray Kevin Celik, who died during a police intervention in 2017.
But for the Celik family it’s a bittersweet victory, after a judge ruled this week the role of the Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes (BEI) was neither impartial nor independent.
“How can I trust in an organization where this decision shows that they’re extremely biased? How can anyone trust that report and that investigation?” said Celik’s father, Cesur, Tuesday in an interview.
A judge ruled that the police watchdog lacked transparency when it dealt with Celik's family after his death on March 6, 2017 on Île Bizard near Montreal. A key issue was a press release sent out by the BEI.
“It concluded that the press release was not impartial or independent, it conveyed the version of events of the involved police officers, disregarded the version of events of the Celik family,” said the family’s lawyer, François Mainguy.
Both of Celik’s parents can testify to what happened that night.
“We were eyewitnesses to the killing of our son. It happened just outside my office, in our corridor, in front of our eyes, my wife and I,” the father said.
Police were called to Celik’s home after he mixed alcohol with painkillers he was on following dental surgery. His parents say he was in crisis and after an altercation with police officers, he was pronounced dead in hospital.
After the BEI investigation and report, no charges were laid against the four officers involved.
According to the family’s lawyer, this decision could set a precedent.
“The judge also brought forth the fact that he found that the BEI had faulted in the way it had handled the Celik family and kept them informed as they should have into the investigation of Koray’s death,” Mainguy said.
The family is still waiting for a coroner's inquest into Celik’s death and has also filed a lawsuit against the Montreal police service and Urgences-santé.
In the meantime, the BEI said it needs time to review the ruling before deciding if it will launch an appeal.
The Quebec public safety ministry did not respond to a request for comment from CTV News on Tuesday.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.