Strip searched in prison when they had just been released by a court, former inmates can now claim $ 1,000 per “degrading and unjustified” search suffered, thanks to a class action. But time flies to obtain redress, warns the supervisor of the action.
“I felt that my rights had been violated,” says Steeve Quirion, about the four strip searches undergone during the period covered by the class action, from July 13, 2006 to July 1, 2006.is July 2011. “When I returned to prison, I understood that they were searching me,” explains the latter, currently in a therapy house. But when I went out, to me, it didn’t make sense. ”
In addition to Mr. Quirion, the collective action concerns any person strip searched when they came to recover their personal effects in prison, and this, after being released by a court, explains Sylvie Bordelais, vice-president of the Association of Quebec Prison Lawyers (AAADCQ). Given that these people had been searched the morning before appearing in court and that they were now free, this practice was “unjustified” and “degrading”, maintains Mr.me Bordelais.
The collective action only affects prisoners released on condition, specifies Kevin Adou, supervisor of the appeal. The persons concerned can thus claim $ 1,000 per search, at the rate of one per day. These compensations result from an agreement approved by the Superior Court on April 19, which stipulates that the sum of $ 4,144,950 must be paid by the government. The prisons targeted are those of Rivière-des-Prairies, Roberval, Saint-Jérôme, Bordeaux and Quebec (male sector).
Psychological sequelae
Years later, Mr. Quirion remembers the feeling he felt after being strip searched. “Why are they doing this to me, are they laughing at me?” he wondered then. Do they mean me harm? ”
For Nicolas Paquin, who says he has experienced the same situation three or four times, these strip searches made him feel “like less than nothing”.
Not to mention the incomprehension. “I thought to myself: do they think I’m going to steal the toilet paper? Jokes Mr. Paquin.
These excavations leave “psychological consequences”, argues Kevin Adou. “There are a number of people who have been traumatized,” he continues. But to receive redress, time is running out, says Mr. Adou. The claim period started last July will end on January 16. Until then, he wants to reach as many people as possible affected by these illegal practices.
PHOTO ROBERT SKINNER, LAPRESSE
Nicolas Paquin, former detainee
Question “degrading” gestures
Since the Court ruled in favor of Roger Léonard, who led the class action after he himself was strip searched in prison while he was free, these acts should in principle no longer take place, explains Kevin Adou.
If he is relieved to be able to be compensated, Steeve Quirion says he is outraged that people like him have undergone these illegal strip searches. Especially since some people concerned were vulnerable, he adds. “It happened to me and I’m in my head,” he said. Imagine those who have mental illnesses and have their backs eaten by wool. ”
Mme Bordelais wants collective action to change mentalities in the prison environment in the long term.
I hope that by having to pay, the correctional services of Quebec will analyze the actions they take automatically, in order to ensure that they are necessary.
Sylvie Bordelais, Vice-President of the Association of Lawyers in Prison Law of Quebec
The union of correctional officers did not respond to the interview request of Press.
Anyone who believes they are eligible for compensation can complete the claim form at the following address: https://www.asrsq.ca/recours-collectif or obtain one from the claims administrator by calling 1-888-SEARCH (368-4553).
10 000 $
Maximum amount a person can claim in class action for illegal strip searches
Source: Association of Social Rehabilitation Services of Quebec (ASRSQ)