2012-06-25
ADRIAN MORROW
Former judge John Morden will present a long-awaited report into police actions at the G20 on Friday morning. Mr. Morden’s report is expected to be one of the most comprehensive reviews of the summit, examining everything from the command structure between police forces that weekend to the process behind the controversial decisions to kettle and mass arrest protesters. The report was commissioned by the civilian board that oversees Toronto police.
It follows recent reports by the RCMP’s watchdog and the Office of the Independent Police Review Director, a provincial agency. The former report found the federal police force played a minimal role at anti-summit protests. The latter was the first to identify commanders who gave controversial orders.
In addition, the OIPRD recommended disciplinary charges against 31 serving officers, including two senior commanders, plus two brass who have retired since the G20. Two officers are also facing criminal charges for allegedly injuring protesters.
Alex Hundert and five others from what authorities once called the “main conspiracy group” pleaded guilty last fall to reduced charges of counselling to commit mischief. In exchange, all charges were dropped against 11 other people.
Over the past year, meanwhile, prosecutors have secured convictions against numerous people who broke windows and destroyed police cars in the G20 riot.
One high-profile case, however, ended in an acquittal last month. Police had alleged Byron Sonne of Forest Hill was planning to attack the summit with explosives. Mr. Sonne maintained he was merely a rocket enthusiast who sought to embarrass authorities by pointing out flaws in the security apparatus assembled for the summit. A judge sided with Mr. Sonne.
There are also several cases against police working their way through the civil courts.