Demanding an independent investigation into the assault of lawyer Sudine Riley

Imagine the very person sworn to protect and serve becoming the news headline because of fear and injustice. This is the painful reality faced by Sudine Riley, a distinguished lawyer and a fervent advocate for justice and equity. On a day meant to support and uphold the principles of justice, she became a victim of a brutal and unprovoked assault by members of the Durham Regional Police Service.

Sudine's harrowing experience is not an isolated incident but part of a deeply concerning pattern of racial profiling and misuse of power by law enforcement officers. Despite numerous protocols in place, Sudine, a woman of colour, faced the appalling reality of having her basic rights disregarded simply due to the colour of her skin. This blatant display of racial prejudice represents a grave miscarriage of justice.

The assault on Sudine is not just a violation against her and to the values of equality and justice we strive to uphold as a society. This incident underscores an urgent need for change in how law enforcement agencies interact with everyone regardless of their race, gender, or professional status. 

To address the violation of human rights and to prevent any recurrence, we call for an independent investigation into this incident. An independent body is critical to provide an unbiased view, ensuring that the rights of racialized individuals are safeguarded.

Our goal is justice for Sudine Riley.

Join us in this crucial fight for justice and accountability. Stand with Sudine Riley, and stand against racial profiling and police violence. Sign this petition to demand an independent investigation.

THE PETITION

DEMANDING AN INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION INTO THE VIOLENT ASSAULT OF LAWYER SUDINE RILEY BY THE DURHAM REGIONAL POLICE

TO:

• The Law Enforcement Complaints Agency (LECA)

• The Attorney General of Ontario

• The Minister of the Solicitor General

• The Durham Regional Police Services Board

WHEREAS:

1. On January 24, 2026, criminal defence lawyer Sudine Riley was allegedly violently assaulted by Durham Regional Police Service officers at the Oshawa courthouse while lawfully conducting her professional duties;

2. The alleged assault included having her head slammed on a desk, officers placing knees on her back and neck, being handcuffed and dragged to cells, having her headscarf ripped off, and sustaining injuries including a bleeding head and swollen eye;

3. Ms. Riley is a petite Black woman who wears a headscarf and was doing nothing more than practising law when officers challenged her presence in an interview room;

4. Research demonstrates that Black women lawyers face compounding discrimination, with 70% reporting experiencing or witnessing bias in the legal profession;

5. Durham Regional Police Service cannot credibly investigate its own officers for such serious allegations;

6. The Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019 empowers LECA to initiate investigations in the public interest and conduct systemic reviews;

7. All justice system participants, including lawyers, must be able to work in courthouses free from violence and discrimination;

WE, THE UNDERSIGNED, CALL FOR:

1. LECA to exercise its authority under the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019 to initiate an independent investigation into this incident in the public interest;

2. The immediate suspension of all officers involved pending the outcome of the investigation;

3. Criminal charges to be laid where the evidence supports them;

4. A systemic review of DRPS courthouse security practices and anti-racism training;

5. Enhanced protection measures for racialized legal professionals working in Ontario courthouses.

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EN FRANÇAIS

Une demande d'enquête indépendante pour l'agression de Me Sudine Riley 

Imaginez que la personne même qui a juré de protéger et de servir fasse la une des journaux en raison de la peur et de l’injustice. C’est la douloureuse réalité vécue par Sudine Riley, une avocate et une ardente défenseure de la justice et de l’équité. Un jour ou elle devait soutenir et défendre les principes de justice, elle est devenue la victime d’une agression brutale et non provoquée perpétrée par des membres du Service de Police Régional de Durham.

L’expérience traumatisante de Sudine n’est pas un incident isolé, mais s’inscrit dans un schéma profondément préoccupant de profilage racial et d’abus de pouvoir de la part des forces de l’ordre. Malgré les nombreux protocoles en place, Sudine, une femme racisée, a fait face à la réalité choquante de voir ses droits fondamentaux ignorés simplement en raison de la couleur de sa peau. Cette démonstration flagrante de préjugés raciaux constitue une grave erreur judiciaire.

L’agression contre Sudine n’est pas seulement une violation de ses droits, mais aussi une atteinte aux valeurs d’égalité et de justice que nous nous efforçons de défendre en tant que société. Cet incident met en évidence l’urgence d’un changement dans la manière dont les organismes d’application de la loi interagissent avec les personnes, sans égard à leur race, leur genre ou leur statut professionnel.

Afin de remédier à cette violation des droits humains et de prévenir toute récidive, nous demandons la tenue d’une enquête indépendante sur cet incident. Un organisme indépendant est essentiel pour offrir une perspective impartiale et garantir la protection des droits des personnes issues de communautés culturelles.

Notre objectif est d’obtenir justice pour Sudine Riley.

Joignez-vous à nous dans ce combat crucial pour la justice et la responsabilité. Tenez-vous aux côtés de Sudine Riley et opposez-vous au profilage racial et à la violence policière. 

Signez cette pétition pour exiger une enquête indépendante.