SPVG Chief Mario Harel defended his department's decision to arrest Radio-Canada journalist, Antoine Trépanier.
"We have the obligation to listen to the victims, take their statements, and with that statement, we assess the situation," says Harel. Adding, "But, I understand the sensibility of a journalist doing his job. This case is in-front of the crown, which is assessing the file right now."
On Tuesday night, Trépanier was arrested after investigating the Executive Director of the Gatineau chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Trépanier revealed that Yvonne Dubé was practising as a lawyer in 2011 and 2012 without a license.
Radio-Canada says that Dubé agreed to a formal interview with Trépanier, but then cancelled last-minute. They spoke by phone instead, then Trépanier e-mailed Dubé the next day, requesting an in-person interview. Dubé went to the police.
Police say a woman filed a complaint against Trépanier, claiming she feared for her safety and that she'd received threats and repeated communications from the journalist.
The SPVG contacted Trépanier to advise him he would be arrested. He went to the Hull police station, where he was arrested and promptly released on a promise to appear in court.
"In no circumstance do we wish to interfere with a journalist doing their work, or to restrict the freedom of press," says Gatineau Police Chief Mario Harel.
Radio-Canada management says it stands behind Trépanier's work, both legally and ethically.
Gatineau Police say the Crown is still deciding whether to pursue the criminal harassment charges.
