Judge seeks more evidence, delays bail ruling for suspect in Montreal kidnapping case

By The Canadian Press

MONTREAL — A judge has put off a decision on a bail request from one of three men accused in an alleged abduction that triggered an Amber Alert in Montreal this week, saying she needs more evidence before ruling.

Two 21-year-olds and a 22-year-old — two of whom are brothers of the 16-year-old alleged victim — were charged in connection with the incident.

Quebec court Judge Joëlle Roy was expected to render a decision today in the case of the 21-year-old brother but instead asked for more evidence, including a full statement from the victim to police and testimony from the parents to better understand the familial and cultural context of the case.

The court heard this week the girl had been controlled by her brothers in recent months and that some members of her family restricted her day-to-day life.

The judge extended the hearing into next week, when the other two accused will also make their bid for bail. A court order prohibits the publication of any information that could identify the minor victim.

Montreal police have said that just after 11 p.m. on Monday, the teen was allegedly forced into a vehicle from her place of work at a restaurant in Kirkland, Que, a suburb in western Montreal.

Fearing for the girl’s safety, major-crimes investigators elected to issue an Amber Alert early Tuesday, and the girl presented herself at a Montreal police station soon afterwards.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 30, 2021.

The Canadian Press

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