
The Alberta Human Rights Commission has fined the Edmonton Police Service over $80,000 for racial discrimination against two Black men during an unwarranted arrest.
Yousef John and Caesar Judianga were pepper-sprayed and detained in May 2017 after calling 911 to stop a crime. They filed human rights complaints in 2018, leading to the commission’s previous finding of discrimination based on Black stereotypes.
In a recent ruling, each man was awarded $40,000 for the “injury to dignity” they suffered. Court documents reveal they witnessed a woman vandalizing a car and attempted a citizen’s arrest before police arrived.
Upon the officers’ arrival, John and Judianga were pepper-sprayed, forced to the ground, and handcuffed. The chaotic scene led to their arrest while the woman received assistance.
Later that night, the handcuffs were removed, and they were treated for pepper spray exposure. No individual officers were held responsible.
Commission member Erika Ringseis cited precedent cases suggesting $20,000 in general damages. However, due to the distinct nature of the cases and recent higher awards, each man received $40,000.
John also received $2,550 for lost wages and medication costs, while Judianga was compensated $93 for a damaged jacket. Ringseis agreed with the police’s view that the harm evaluation should consider the use of force’s manner and timing.
The ruling underscores the ongoing efforts to address racial discrimination in law enforcement and the importance of accountability for police conduct.