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From: "Chris" <christophermorabito@home.com>
Via: <sovernet-l@lists.speakeasy.org>
Subject: Pressure mounts for inquiry
Date: Mon, 21 Feb 2000 18:28:44 -0800

Sask. justice minister waits for RCMP investigation

CBC WebPosted Mon Feb 21 20:19:07 2000

SASKATOON - The pressure is on Saskatchewan's minister of justice to launch
a public inquiry into how Saskatoon police deal with native people.

Calls for an inquiry come from aboriginal groups. Recently, the frozen
bodies of two aboriginal men were found in Saskatoon five days apart. The
RCMP are looking into those deaths. But two other deaths have been added to
the investigation: one over the weekend, another that happened in January.

But Chris Axworthy, the province's minister of justice, said on Monday that
until the criminal investigation and any potential trials are over, there
won't be any public inquiry.

"The allegations are allegations and the RCMP will decide if a charge should
be laid. It's important to proceed on a step-by-step basis," Axworthy said.

Axworthy said any decisions on charges will be left up to the RCMP. He said
aboriginal leaders shouldn't be concerned that the RCMP has taken over the
police investigation.

"There's no grounds for questioning the credibility or the effectiveness of
the RCMP," Axworthy said.

The man who died on Saturday was arrested on Friday night for drunkenness.
Saskatoon Police Sgt. Glenn Thomson said after the man sobered up in a cell,
he was sent home by cab. His body was found in the bedroom of his apartment
the next morning. An autopsy will be conducted this week.

The RCMP is also looking into the case of another aboriginal man found
frozen to death a few blocks from his home on Jan. 19. There are reports he
may also have been in police custody the same day he was found dead. RCMP
won't confirm that.

The Mounties were called in last week to investigate the deaths of two
aboriginal men whose bodies were found outside the city on Jan. 29 and Feb.
3.

Since then, another aboriginal man, Darrell Night, has said that two police
officers drove him to the same area, took away his coat-- even though the
temperature was well below zero-- and told him to get out of town.

Saskatoon's Police Chief, Dave Scott, said he had no reason to link the
deaths with the complaint by Night.

The two officers involved in Night's complaint came forward last Monday of
"their own free will," and were suspended for 30 days.
Last week, Lawrence Joseph of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations
said reports of police harassing aboriginals and dropping them off on the
outskirts of Saskatoon are nothing new. He said Night's experience was not
an isolated incident and the problem is widespread.

"This is nothing short of blatant abuse of authority, abuse of power, and
anybody who takes their dog out like that would be charged," said Joseph.
 

Date: Mon, 21 Feb 2000 18:28:44 -0800
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Sask. justice minister waits for RCMP investigation

CBC WebPosted Mon Feb 21 20:19:07 2000

SASKATOON - The pressure is on Saskatchewan's minister of justice to launch
a public inquiry into how Saskatoon police deal with native people.

Calls for an inquiry come from aboriginal groups. Recently, the frozen
bodies of two aboriginal men were found in Saskatoon five days apart. The
RCMP are looking into those deaths. But two other deaths have been added to
the investigation: one over the weekend, another that happened in January.

But Chris Axworthy, the province's minister of justice, said on Monday that
until the criminal investigation and any potential trials are over, there
won't be any public inquiry.

"The allegations are allegations and the RCMP will decide if a charge should
be laid. It's important to proceed on a step-by-step basis," Axworthy said.

Axworthy said any decisions on charges will be left up to the RCMP. He said
aboriginal leaders shouldn't be concerned that the RCMP has taken over the
police investigation.

"There's no grounds for questioning the credibility or the effectiveness of
the RCMP," Axworthy said.

The man who died on Saturday was arrested on Friday night for drunkenness.
Saskatoon Police Sgt. Glenn Thomson said after the man sobered up in a cell,
he was sent home by cab. His body was found in the bedroom of his apartment
the next morning. An autopsy will be conducted this week.

The RCMP is also looking into the case of another aboriginal man found
frozen to death a few blocks from his home on Jan. 19. There are reports he
may also have been in police custody the same day he was found dead. RCMP
won't confirm that.

The Mounties were called in last week to investigate the deaths of two
aboriginal men whose bodies were found outside the city on Jan. 29 and Feb.
3.

Since then, another aboriginal man, Darrell Night, has said that two police
officers drove him to the same area, took away his coat-- even though the
temperature was well below zero-- and told him to get out of town.

Saskatoon's Police Chief, Dave Scott, said he had no reason to link the
deaths with the complaint by Night.

The two officers involved in Night's complaint came forward last Monday of
"their own free will," and were suspended for 30 days.
Last week, Lawrence Joseph of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations
said reports of police harassing aboriginals and dropping them off on the
outskirts of Saskatoon are nothing new. He said Night's experience was not
an isolated incident and the problem is widespread.

"This is nothing short of blatant abuse of authority, abuse of power, and
anybody who takes their dog out like that would be charged," said Joseph.
 

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