Members of Montreal’s public security council met behind closed doors with Montreal Police Chief Philippe Pichet Tuesday for their bi-weekly meeting.
The councillors spent some of the by-weekly security meeting asking the chief to explain why La Presse journalist Patrick Lagacé was spied on by police for months.
“Unfortunately I’m forbidden by law to say which questions were asked and answered, but I will say that I am not reassured,” Projet Montreal Coun. Alex Norris told reporters after leaving the meeting.
Coun. Anie Samson told reporters the police have an explanation for monitoring the journalist but that a pending criminal trial prevents the force from defending itself openly.
“There are two sides to a story, and right now we are only hearing one side. Police will have to take their evidence to court and so they cannot discuss the issue fully because this investigation is important,” Samson said.
A special executive council meeting will be held in the coming weeks to discuss how police monitor journalists.
While Pichet will be present at the meeting, it will be held behind closed doors.