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Independent probe sought in heavy-handed ticketing attempt by Montreal subway inspectors

Mar 26, 2019 | 1:07 PM

MONTREAL — A civil rights group is adding its voice to calls for an independent inquiry into the heavy-handed ticketing attempt by inspectors of a Montreal subway user who failed to pay his fare.

Juliano Gray met with reporters today for the first time since the March 7 incident at a west-end metro station.

In a now widely-circulated video, the 21-year-old is seen being pummelled with batons by subway inspectors on the platform as they struggle to restrain him.

Gray narrowly avoids striking his head against an oncoming train.

He admits he didn’t have a valid ticket and was playing with a soccer ball on the subway, but he says didn’t deserve the repeated strikes that have left him diagnosed with post-traumatic stress and cost him his job as a dishwasher.

The Centre for Research-Action on Race Relations is calling for a probe, following up calls last week by opposition city councillors and community activists who described the incident as an excessive use of force.

The Montreal Transit Corp. has said its investigation into the incident is complete and proper enforcement procedures were followed.

The Canadian Press