Civil Rights Movement.ca

CANADIAN CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT

 MEDIA ADVISORY, April 7^th, 2010

 The supporters of the CCRM are pleased to learn that Zofia Cisowski, mother of Robert Dziekanski who died at Vancouver International Airport after being tasered by RCMP officers, has reached settlement of her civil law suit against various defendants, including the RCMP, Canada Border Services and governmental authorities.  

 The circumstances surrounding the death of Mr. Dziekanski and her struggle for accountability have taken a heavy toll on Ms. Cisowski over the past 2 ½ years.   It has affected her health and the stress had become increasingly unbearable for her.  The resolution of the civil suit will hopefully bring some peace of mind and as she stated, allow her to move forward – to begin the process of healing – as much as it is possible when it involves the senseless loss of life. There is need to respect her privacy and personal dignity.

 The CCRM will continue to press for public accountability.   Many questions and concerns remain unanswered and unaddressed. These include questions around:

• use of force,
• the process of investigation involving allegations against law enforcement officers,
•  confidence in the integrity of police conduct and dissemination of information, and
•  public confidence in the administration of justice – including the decision of the Criminal Justice Branch to not recommend criminal charges against individual officers involved in the incident with Mr. Dziekanski. 

 The CCRM has consistently called for the appointment of a special prosecutor to oversee the investigation and determination of criminal charges.  This would address the issue of public confidence in the administration of justice through an independent prosecutor.  

 The Braidwood Inquiry is an important part of the process of informing the public what happened – but, it is not a criminal law process.   The CCRM is concerned that the criminal law process operate and be seen to operate properly – as a matter of rule of law and public confidence in the administration of justice.   

 Balwinder William Sundhu

http://www.billsundhu.ca/

(250) 574-2124

 Zygmunt Riddle

(604) 868-7070

zriddle@shaw.ca

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