Repentigny, Quebec Lakay wishes to express its outrage and strong condemnation following the hateful attack suffered by the daughter of Ms. Lyndia Barthold and three other young Black girls in Terrebonne. This violent act, which occurred on November 21, 2023, is completely unacceptable and reveals deep concerns about the safety and well-being of Black communities in the Lanaudière region.
According to Ms. Barthold's statement, a hooded white man attacked the young women at their home on Matamec Street, armed with an axe and a knife, while hurling racist insults. The victims, including Ms. Barthold's eldest daughter, were treated in an abject and discriminatory manner.
Alarming is the fact that the incident, although quickly reported to the Terrebonne City Police Service, did not receive the immediate attention it required. The lack of prompt action and the apparent indifference of the authorities raise questions about the existence of systemic racism within law enforcement. It took the intervention of the Coalition Rouge for the investigation to finally be taken seriously.
Joël DeBellefeuille, founder and executive director of the Coalition Rouge, emphasizes the urgent need to examine the discriminatory behavior of law enforcement in the cities of Terrebonne, Repentigny, and Mascouche. He compares the situation to that of racist cities in the southern United States in the 1950s, an alarming comparison that cannot be ignored.
Three weeks after the attack, the victims were contacted by an investigator, and a month after the incident, a suspect was arrested and charged. This slow police response is unacceptable.
Alain Babineau, Director of Racial Profiling and Public Safety for the Coalition Rouge, insists that a systemic racism problem exists within the Terrebonne police service. Negligence in investigating and protecting victims based on their race is as serious as excessive police surveillance based on racial criteria.
Lakay is asking Terrebonne police officials to take immediate steps to ensure the safety of Ms. Barthold's family and is calling for immediate action to thoroughly investigate this incident and is demanding concrete measures to eliminate any signs of systemic racism within law enforcement.
About Lakay
Lakay is an organization dedicated to promoting equality and fighting racism. Our mission is to support Black communities in their pursuit of justice and equality.