Windchills in the minus 30’s did not stop a group of protesters from rallying for justice for a Regina Aboriginal woman who claims she was threatened and terrorized by the city police department last weekend.
The story took on a life of its own when Brooke Watson’s mother posted the allegations on Facebook, getting more than 4,000 hits and a quick response from police.
There were about a dozen protesters, including Connie Deiter. She called Regina the “Alabama of the North”. She says she has had her own run-ins with the Regina Police Service and is fed up with its attitude.
“And we are not putting up with it anymore. That’s it, we’re done.”
The 25-year-old Watson was picked up by police at about 5 a.m. Sunday for public intoxication. Her mother, Leese Dustyhorn, says her daughter is intellectually challenged, but would never make up stories.
According to Dustyhorn, her daughter was driven outside of the city, had her coat and boots removed and was threatened before ending up in the drunk tank where she spent 12 hours.
After Dustyhorn posted the allegations on Facebook, not all of the responses were supportive.
“She has been called down. She has been called retarded, a retarded drunk. You know, she has been discriminated against — especially on social media.”
Regina’s deputy police chief Dean Rae stood in the background as the small protest took place. He says the protesters have every right to be there and he has no problem with the demonstration.
He also says police felt compelled to release some information on the case because of the seriousness of the allegations.
“We wanted to alleviate any fear in the public, any fear in the community and with our people within the organization, as well.”
Police say GPS shows the police cruiser did not leave the city.
Police also say Watson was extremely intoxicated and did not have a coat or boots when she was picked up Sunday morning.
The allegations have now been referred to the Public Complaints Commission, an independent body within the Ministry of Justice. Two of its five members are Aboriginal.
It could take months before there is a ruling.