RCMP Closes Investigation into Montreal Community Centers, Defamation Lawsuit Filed
The RCMP has concluded an investigation into two Montreal community centers suspected of serving as secret police posts for the Chinese Communist Party. The organizations, however, have filed a lawsuit against the RCMP, alleging defamation due to public accusations without evidence. The investigation has caused significant harm, including loss of funding and reduced services, and sparked calls for better police practices to protect communities from similar incidents.
The RCMP launched an investigation in 2022, alleging that the Montreal Chinese Family Service and the South Shore Sino-Quebec Center were secretly working for the Chinese government. The investigation was highly publicized, with RCMP agents interviewing board members and making accusations. However, the RCMP did not speak to Xixi Li, the director-general of the organizations, nor did they visit the offices. The investigation caused significant damage, with the organizations losing funding, laying off staff, and reducing services.
Community members were also victims of discriminatory comments, being called 'Chinese spies' due to the investigation. Mei Chiu, coordinator of the Chinese Quarter Roundtable, reported that the investigation had a 'deterrent effect' on the community, with elderly people and others fearing to access services or speak favorably about China. Walter Tom, a lawyer specializing in immigration law, criticized the RCMP's decision to make the investigation public, stating it violated the presumption of innocence and stigmatized the Chinese community. Xixi Li expressed relief at the investigation's closure but sought reasons behind it, having learned of it through media reports.
The RCMP has closed the investigation without recommending charges. The organizations have filed a $4.9 million lawsuit against the RCMP, arguing that agents defamed them by publicly labeling them as 'police posts' without evidence. The incident has raised concerns about police practices and their impact on communities. To prevent similar incidents in the future, the RCMP could implement measures such as regular cultural sensitivity training, community policing, independent oversight, transparent communication, de-escalation techniques, and collaboration with community groups.
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