The Quebec Bar “deplores” the publication by one of Marc-André Grenon’s lawyers of a video on Instagram accompanied by the hashtags #exposure and #htgawm (How to get away with murder), among others.
“The Quebec Bar wishes to inform the population that it does not at any time encourage, among its members, behavior such as that which has been reported by the media or seen on social networks,” reacted the professional order , Tuesday.
Saturday, the columnist of The Press Patrick Lagacé reported on a video published on the Instagram account of Marc-André Grenon’s lawyer, Me Vanessa Pharand, during her client’s trial. The latter was then accused of first degree murder and aggravated sexual assault and has since been found guilty of both counts.
The video showed the lawyer accompanied by her colleague, Me Karine Poliquin, walking in the corridors of the Chicoutimi courthouse to the sound of the song Dangerous Minds whose words notably evoke death threats.
The publication, which has not been available since, was also accompanied by several hashtags including #exposure and #htgawm (How to get away with murder).
The Bar reiterated on Tuesday its recommendations to its members regarding their use of social networks “in compliance with their professional obligations”. The professional order also recalls that the Code of Ethics for lawyers provides that they must act “ with honor, dignity, integrity, respect, moderation and courtesy.”
However, it is not specified whether Me Vanessa Pharand has deviated from the Code or whether the Syndic of the Bar, which has jurisdiction to assess whether one of its members has committed an offense, has undertaken an investigation against the lawyer.