The victim of former Parti Québécois MP Harold LeBel asked Judge Serge Francoeur to lift the publication ban protecting his identity on Tuesday, April 18, when a documentary that will deal with the legal proceedings concerning this case should be broadcast. .
Judge Francoeur indicated Thursday morning that he was taking the victim’s request under advisement and that his decision “should not be long in coming”.
The victim of Harold LeBel wants to reveal his identity in order to be able to “discuss publicly and openly” his experience in the justice system by participating in a documentary.
“I want to transform these events into something positive” and “to be able to contribute to society”, so “I agreed to participate in a documentary where I testify with my face open and it is in this context- there that I wish to have the publication ban lifted on my identity, ”explained the victim to the judge, Thursday morning.
“What makes it so that it cannot be made today or in the next few days, this order? asked the defense attorney.
The plaintiff answered that her objective, by participating in a documentary, “is to make the judicial system known” in addition to “doing useful work”, so “it is quite logical that the order be coordinated” with the dissemination of the documentary.
“That’s why I’m lifting the order, so that this project can see the light of day,” said the woman.
Harold LeBel will be conditionally released
Harold LeBel was convicted of sexual assault in November 2022, then sentenced to eight months in prison. He obtained, Tuesday, a permission of exit preparatory to the parole.
This has been set for April 16. LeBel will stay until then in a halfway house, where he has agreed to undergo therapy on sexual issues and emotional dependence.
The 60-year-old former PQ member admitted to parole board members the assault he committed, saying he was “shocked” by the victim’s testimony at trial.
“You admit all the actions of which you are accused. You are well aware of the impact of your actions for the victim and on your loved ones, ”wrote the commissioners in their decision.
During his trial, LeBel had claimed to have exchanged only a consensual kiss with the plaintiff before going to bed at her side and falling asleep immediately.
The plaintiff had testified to the effect that the kiss in question was not consensual and that Harold LeBel had then tried to unfasten her bra while she was going to take refuge in the bathroom.
She then said that she had gone to bed and that the accused had lay down beside her and had engaged in touching for several hours while she was petrified with fear.