Verdict expected today in Maj.-Gen. Dany Fortin’s sexual assault case | 24CA News
WARNING: This article comprises graphic content material and should have an effect on those that have skilled sexual violence or know somebody affected by it.
A Quebec decide is about to ship his verdict this afternoon in a high-profile sexual assault case involving a senior army commander who as soon as led Canada’s vaccine rollout.
Maj.-Gen. Dany Fortin was faraway from his job in 2021 throughout a army police investigation that later led to the sexual assault cost.
Fortin has pleaded not responsible and has maintained he by no means had any bodily contact with the lady he is accused of assaulting greater than 30 years in the past when he was a cadet.
A lady testified in the course of the trial in September that she was “horrified” to get up in her mattress at Royal Military College in Saint-Jean, Que. to search out Fortin standing over her. She alleged Fortin was holding her hand on his genitals and utilizing it to masturbate.
Fortin’s defence lawyer, Isabel Schurman, argued in the course of the trial that the complainant incorrectly recognized her shopper.
The complainant stated she was “100 per cent without a doubt” it was Fortin who sexually assaulted her in 1988. The complainant’s id is protected underneath a court-ordered publication ban.
The Canadian army has been rocked by allegations of sexual misconduct towards its senior leaders. Fortin is considered one of a number of present and former senior Canadian army leaders who’ve been investigated, criminally charged or compelled into retirement since 2021 from among the most prestigious posts within the defence institution.
He’s the primary of these accused army leaders to have their case prosecuted in prison courtroom since final 12 months. Fortin opted to be tried by decide alone.
Fortin will now not be allowed to put on his army uniform to courtroom after controversy erupted throughout his trial over his look.
Starting on Dec. 1, the army banned its members from sporting their uniforms and medals to civilian courtroom whereas defending themselves on prison prices.
Miltiary sexual trauma survivors and advocates stated they had been offended that Fortin, a highly-decorated army commander, wore his uniform and medals to his prison trial.
Survivors stated they considered that transfer as an act of intimidation that might make a complainant really feel like they had been going through off in courtroom towards your entire Canadian Armed Forces.
Fortin can be difficult his elimination by the federal authorities from the vaccine marketing campaign in Federal Court. His enchantment date has not been set but.
WATCH | Military commander criticized for sporting uniform and medals to civilian trial:
Maj.-Gen. Dany Fortin drew criticism after sporting his full army uniform, together with 10 medals, whereas on trial in civilian courtroom for sexual assault.
