Mayor Denis Coderre defends police chief, denounces ‘public lynching’

Mayor Denis Coderre took to social media Sunday morning to come to the defense of Montreal police (SPVM) chief, Philippe Pichet.

New allegations came to light Sunday, in connection with the recent scandal connecting police to the surveillance of several journalists.

READ MORE: Montreal police were issued warrant to listen to journalists’ calls: La Presse

While it was believed that police had obtained warrants to track incoming and outgoing calls, La Presse revealed Sunday that police had in fact obtained a warrant to wiretap and listen in on two of its journalists’ phone conversations.

That’s something Pichet had denied at a press conference earlier this week, saying there was never any any question of wiretapping or physical surveillance.

That revelation prompted renewed calls for Pichet to step down as a full public inquiry into the matter is launched.

READ MORE: Quebec to hold public inquiry into surveillance of journalists

Projet Montreal’s Alex Norris said Pichet has lost the confidence of the people, with Parti Québécois Leader Jean-François Lisée echoing the sentiment.

The SPVM issued a statement late Sunday afternoon denying the accusations.

In the statement, Pichet explains the warrants were obtained in connection with a criminal investigation involving officers on the force, two of whom have been charged with fabricating false documents, breach of trust, perjury and obstruction of justice.

Pichet admitted it is possible some conversations may have been listened to, as part of that investigation.

“Anyone communicating with the targeted officers may have been heard in those conversations,” the statement reads.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Anyone communicating with the targeted officers may have been heard in those conversations," the statement reads.

Pichet maintained the force acted legally and the response was measured.

Coderre tweeted that Pichet had responded adequately to the accusations and was dismayed by his “public lynching,”  saying it has no place in a civilized society.

At a press conference Sunday afternoon to address the situation, Coderre maintained his stance, saying he still had confidence in Pichet.

He added that he is waiting on the results of the provincial inquiry before taking any action.

“At the same time that we have to be protective of the freedom of press. I will always be there to make sure you can do your job, including protecting your sources,” Coderre told reporters.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "At the same time that we have to be protective of the freedom of press. I will always be there to make sure you can do your job, including protecting your sources," Coderre told reporters.

“But at the same time, we have to respect the rule of law and to respect the rule of law, is saying that instead of already condemning someone, we are saying that there is a process, we’ll verify the facts and pick it up from there.”

Coderre also said he asked Montreal’s inspector general to conduct an administrative review of how Montreal police handled the surveillance of reporters.