(Montreal) The family of Nicous D’Andre Spring is in turn asking for all the videos that could exist and which would show the circumstances surrounding the death of the young black man of 21 years in the prison of Bordeaux, last December 24.
Nicous D’Andre Spring was illegally detained since a judge had ordered his release the day before his death, on December 23. He died after guards put a spit mask on his face and sprayed him with pepper spray twice.
His death occurred at the hospital where he had been transported.
His older sister, Sarafina Dennie, supported by the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA), appeared in a virtual press conference on Tuesday to demand not only that the videos be released immediately to the family, but also made public. .
She painted with emotion the portrait of a young man passionate about music, respectful, generous and responsible, who was very close to her children, particularly her son.
Me Noa Mendelsohn Aviv, who represented the CCLA, rejected the argument that the videos are being withheld because the case is under investigation, arguing that the investigations in question could take years to be concluded as the family requires answers and videos now.
Since the death, a manager and a corrections officer have been suspended. An administrative investigation is underway by the prison, the Sûreté du Québec is conducting a criminal investigation and the coroner is also investigating the circumstances of Mr. Spring’s death.