Close X
Sunday, November 10, 2024
ADVT 
National

David Eby supports police who secretly took DNA from Kurds to solve B.C. murder

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 15 Jan, 2024 02:03 PM
  • David Eby supports police who secretly took DNA from Kurds to solve B.C. murder

British Columbia Premier David Eby says he supports police who secretly collected DNA from members of the Kurdish community to solve the murder of a 13-year-old girl, saying he "really struggles" with the idea that they should not have done so.

Eby says the victim's rights were "profoundly and unalterably violated" by her killer, and police actions made the community safe from a predator.

His remarks come after The Canadian Press revealed that police posed as tea marketers to collect DNA from about 150 Kurdish community members without their permission at a 2018 festival.

The operation ultimately led to the arrest of Ibrahim Ali, who was convicted last month of first-degree murder for the 2017 killing of the girl, who can't be named because of a publication ban.

Police had previously determined that whoever left the DNA on the victim's body was likely of Kurdish ethnicity, leading to the targeting of the festival where a brother of Ali unwittingly provided a sample that gave police their breakthrough.

Eby told an unrelated news conference on Monday that many British Columbians “recoiled in horror” at the murder in Burnaby that "shattered" parents' sense of safety in the province.

"The police went out, identified the suspect, arrested him and he was successfully prosecuted," said Eby.

"To now, after the trial is complete, after these issues have all been considered, to be going back to say to the police (that) they should not have done what they did? I really struggle with that analysis," he said.

MORE National ARTICLES

B.C.'s chief coroner exits, frustrated and disappointed with government's OD response

B.C.'s chief coroner exits, frustrated and disappointed with government's OD response
British Columbia's chief coroner Lisa Lapointe says she's a hopeful person, but she is leaving her office frustrated and disappointed. Angry, even, with drug overdose deaths expected to hit record levels this year. The B.C. Coroners Service issued a public safety warning Wednesday, citing increases in overdose deaths "above earlier indications," when 189 deaths were reported in October.

B.C.'s chief coroner exits, frustrated and disappointed with government's OD response

Port Moody Police arrest vandal

Port Moody Police arrest vandal
Police have arrested a man who allegedly smashed several vehicle windows in the parking lot of Eagle Ridge Hospital in Port Moody. Police say officers were called to the hospital on Monday just before 9 p-m after a man allegedly smashed the windows of vehicles parked in the lot, then threatened a security guard before fleeing.

Port Moody Police arrest vandal

Spike in Vancouver property tax in 2024

Spike in Vancouver property tax in 2024
Vancouver business owners and residents will face a property-tax increase in 2024, but it’s smaller than last year’s double-digit spike. Vancouver's city council has approved a 7.5-per-cent property-tax increase in 2024.

Spike in Vancouver property tax in 2024

BC facing snowfall warnings

BC facing snowfall warnings
BC is facing a number of weather warnings related to heavy snowfall and wintry conditions. Environment Canada has issued snowfall warnings in Whistler, the North Thompson region and Highway 1 from Sicamous to Golden, with accumulations of up to 20-centimetres expected in some areas.

BC facing snowfall warnings

Revealing allegations on Nijjar death meant to 'put a chill' on India, Trudeau says

Revealing allegations on Nijjar death meant to 'put a chill' on India, Trudeau says
The allegations worsened already strained relations between the Liberal government and that of India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which has continued to deny any connection to the killing. In the interview, Trudeau said his public statement came after weeks of "quiet diplomacy" that included raising the allegations with India at the highest levels.

Revealing allegations on Nijjar death meant to 'put a chill' on India, Trudeau says

Liberal caucus meets after Canada votes for Israel-Hamas ceasefire at United Nations

Liberal caucus meets after Canada votes for Israel-Hamas ceasefire at United Nations
Liberal MPs gathered Wednesday for what was expected to be their final caucus meeting of the year, a day after Canada shifted its stance to join international calls for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The decision came amid conflict within Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal caucus over how to respond to the latest eruption in violence, which was triggered when Hamas militants launched their brazen Oct. 7 attack on Israel.   

Liberal caucus meets after Canada votes for Israel-Hamas ceasefire at United Nations