Arrogant attitude, narcissistic traits, refusal to participate in therapy: André Boisclair is a disturbing person behind bars. The former leader of the Parti Québécois, who sexually assaulted a man in addition to directing the gang rape of another victim, failed to obtain his parole.
“The Commission considers that the risk of recidivism that you present is currently unacceptable, and that the journey must continue in the security context of incarceration”, concludes the Commission des libérations conditionnelles du Québec in a report made public Tuesday afternoon. .
Sentenced to two years in prison less a day last July, André Boisclair was already eligible for a preparatory release for parole, since he had served one-sixth of his sentence. His refusal to participate in a therapy specializing in sexual offending during his detention, however, weighed down his request for release.
To explain this refusal, André Boisclair’s lawyer argued during the hearing that his participation would have caused the group to “implode” because of its “intellectual level” and its “sophisticated” way of expressing itself. André Boisclair claims to have tried instead to obtain a “tailor-made” treatment, as he feared the media leaks of group therapy. He also reveals that he was beaten by an inmate.
“Violent and highly abusive” crimes
The Commission recalls, however, that the crimes committed by André Boisclair were “violent and highly abusive”. In January 2014, the ousted politician ordered two other people to grab a young man and penetrate him. During the attack, André Boisclair held the victim by the chest. The details of the crime are sordid.
Then, in 2015, André Boisclair sexually assaulted a young man he met on a dating site. On several occasions, his victim asked him to stop his actions. It was not until the third “Stop” that the aggressor finally complied. “I am scarred for life. […] It is not normal. I didn’t deserve this. Nobody deserves that, ”the victim told the court.
If he admits having ordered others to sodomize the victim, the ex-politician maintains that he has no sexual deviance. He thus blames his addiction to drugs and alcohol, which “blinded” his conscience.
“You say that if you hit the victim with a belt, it was not to leave marks on the victim. According to you, it was a role play, ”says the decision.
During his detention, André Boisclair showed “an arrogant attitude” towards correctional officers, according to his prison file. Two notes from October 2022 even indicate that he was “on the verge of issuing a disciplinary report”, reports the Commission. A statement denied by the offender, who accuses certain correctional officers of having been “inappropriate” towards him.
His evaluating agent adds that André Boisclair has “impulsive traits”, in addition to tending to be “focused on [lui]-same “. “It can be difficult at times to communicate with you because of your modes of defense and also in connection with certain narcissistic components”, indicates the report.
“Work to do”
Moreover, André Boisclair reacted “negatively” during the presentation of his correctional intervention plan. The ex-politician was “very critical” of the level of risk assessed as “average”, while his sex therapist (whose name is redacted in the decision) assesses his risk of recidivism as “low”.
“The evaluating officer mentions feeling that you tried to make him feel bad about the findings of his evaluation,” the report argues.
André Boisclair agrees that he still has “work to do” with his sexologist and recognizes the inadequacy of his actions. He acknowledges that the consequences of his crimes are “very serious” for the victims.
“Despite the favorable recommendations that it takes into account in its decision and a properly initiated reflection according to your comments at the hearing, the Commission considers that the personal work to be carried out remains important in order to make the risk acceptable to the community”, concludes the Commission.