Abdulla Shaikh’s lawyer was shocked to hear François Legault say he was “glad we got rid of this individual.”
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In an interview with TVA Nouvelles, Me François Legault, who represented Mr. Shaikh in the past, criticized the exit of the Prime Minister, who also bears the same name as him.
“It is very disturbing to hear that from the Prime Minister. We live in a society of law which is governed by democratic institutions. There is the judicial system which is one of the pillars of that system. The judicial system ensures that anyone who is arrested and accused is presumed innocent,” explains the lawyer.
The latter, who was also a Crown prosecutor for 35 years, wishes to recall the importance of the presumption of innocence.
“You can’t say, ‘I’m glad we got rid of that individual. It is extremely disturbing to hear that, ”insists Me Legault. “We never say that.”
Last March, Abdulla Shaïkh was released by the Commission for the Review of Mental Disorders (CETM).
The 26-year-old had, however, been diagnosed with schizophrenia as well as antisocial and narcissistic personality. According to Me Legault, the CETM had neither the jurisdiction nor the elements in hand to refuse to release his client.
“As long as a person does not represent a significant risk to society, they must be released unconditionally,” argues the lawyer.
Mr. Shaikh then started taking his medication again and indicated that he wanted to start working again, says Me François Legault.
“There were several elements that tended to show that M Abdulla Shaïkh was taking control of himself,” he explains.
The lawyer, however, mentions having heard no more from his client after March 29, 2022.
“What has happened since that date? Unfortunately, I don’t know. Obviously, he was not well last week, ”he laments.
To see the full interview, watch the video above.