Montreal mayor backs police chief amid misconduct allegations against officers

Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada has expressed her trust in Police Chief Fady Dagher to address a series of misconduct allegations against officers in the city's police force. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Martinez Ferrada emphasized the importance of rebuilding trust between the public and the police service in Montreal, Quebec's largest city. She acknowledged that changing a culture takes time and admitted that resistance is currently present.

Dagher is set to hold a news conference later on Friday to address the allegations, which include a new case that emerged this week. According to Montreal police, an officer may face charges for allegedly concealing evidence related to a 2025 domestic violence investigation. Radio-Canada reported earlier that an officer involved in the case allegedly erased evidence provided by the victim, who was known to the officer.

The officer was assigned to the multicultural neighborhood of Montreal-Nord, where four officers were suspended earlier this year over allegations of racist misconduct.

In addition to the domestic violence investigation, Dagher will provide an update on the suspension of two officers from a downtown station. One officer is accused of urinating on homeless people, while the second officer is alleged to have posed for photos mocking suspects under arrest in humiliating positions.

Martinez Ferrada stressed the need to provide citizens with the assurance that the police service is addressing these issues and working to change the culture. She urged all officers to denounce any wrongdoing they witness within the police force.