Philippe Schnobb, board chairman of the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) says the STM has concluded its investigation into a violent altercation that happened in the Villa-Maria Metro station on March 7.
WATCH: Viral video appears to show Montreal Metro passenger being beaten by STM inspectors
A video of the incident went viral, garnering thousands of views online. The footage was captured by a witness and appears to show two STM inspectors beating a man with nightsticks.
According to the STM, the man did not pay the transit fare and was disrupting passengers by dribbling a ball in the metro car.
READ MORE: Video appears to show STM inspectors beating man at Montreal Metro station
Schnobb said the incident, although admittedly violent, was handled in a manner that was respecting protocol.
The transit authority says its investigation used cellphone and security camera footage as evidence.
No witnesses were interviewed as part of the investigation.
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Now, a new coalition formed by city councillors, local community groups and the official Opposition is demanding action.
The group would like to see an independent investigation into the incident. The coalition is also calling for the creation of a civilian oversight committee.
“It’s pretty disappointing,” Snowdon city Coun. Marvin Rotrand said at a press conference Monday.
“It looks like they have wrapped this up. We have no idea if everything is kosher.”
Official Opposition leader Lionel Perez shared the same sentiment.
“We call into question the conclusions of the STM, behind closed doors without a clear and transparent governance,” Perez said.
In response, Mayor Valerie Plante supported the idea of an inquiry.
“Let’s look into it, but I’m definitely open to having an independent investigation. Let’s find the right formula,” Plante said.
Tiffany Callender of the Côte-des-Neiges Black Community Association says her organization wants a solution fast.
“We keep seeing this incident repeat itself,” Callender said. “The bottom line is something has to be done.”
STM investigators do not fall under the same jurisdiction as STM officers or Montreal police.
Schnobb told the media that changing the status of STM investigators to constables would allow them to go through the same processes as their law enforcement counterparts.
The man in the video managed to escape from the STM inspectors.
The STM says it has since spoken with the man involved and that he has apologized for his actions.
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