Montreal Police Chief Summoned to City Hall Over Misconduct Allegations
Montreal police (SPVM) Chief Fady Dagher is being summoned to City Hall by the opposition party Projet Montréal to address allegations of abuses of power within the force. The urgent motion, tabled for a plenary committee meeting, demands that Dagher appear before city councillors within seven days to account for internal oversight and organizational culture.
Opposition Demands Transparency Following Station 21 Suspensions
The political summons follows an internal investigation that resulted in the suspension of two SPVM officers from Station 21, which covers a large section of downtown Montreal. One officer allegedly urinated on a homeless person in the middle of the street, while a second officer allegedly mocked a suspect placed in a “humiliating position” during an arrest.
Regardless of our postcode, or even if we have no address at all, every person has the right to be treated with dignity and respect by those responsible for protecting us,
said Ericka Alneus, leader of the official opposition.
Alneus emphasized that the demand for Dagher’s appearance is a legitimate democratic exercise that aims to secure transparency without compromising ongoing legal or disciplinary proceedings.
Mayor Seeks to Protect Public Inquiry Process
In response to the opposition’s push, Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada announced that her party will debate the motion while introducing amendments to safeguard the integrity of the public inquiry process.
I want to make sure we don’t do anything that could undermine the public inquiry,
Martinez Ferrada stated during a news conference. I want to make sure that if there’s anyone who did what it’s alleged to have happened, that there are criminal accusations. And for that, you need to protect the way that the inquiry is going to be made.
The mayor acknowledged the gravity of the situation, noting that such controversies cast a shadow over the work of the SPVM.
Prior Misconduct and Ongoing Investigations
The Station 21 incidents follow the disbandment of a 16-member night patrol unit at Station 39 in Montreal North amid allegations of severe misconduct, including racial profiling and cutting the hair or dreadlocks of residents to keep as “trophies.”
At least four officers were suspended in connection with the Station 39 investigation, while remaining personnel were dispersed to other stations. Evidence gathered during the initial internal probe into Station 39 has been submitted to the Crown Prosecutor’s Office (DPCP) for analysis.
Public Reporting and Accountability Measures
Montreal authorities urge anyone with information regarding discriminatory behaviour by a member of the police force to report the incident to 514-280-0200.
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