Rights advocates call for arrest footage after suspect suffers brain damage

VANCOUVER – Rights advocates say the release of a five-page report from the Crown isn’t enough to explain how a First Nations man from Terrace, B.C., emerged from a confrontation with RCMP with severe brain damage.

The B.C. Civil Liberties Association and the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs are questioning the credibility of the report released by the Criminal Justice Branch Friday which explains why no charges were laid against the officers involved.

Robert Wright was arrested for suspected drunk driving in April and hit his head twice while in custody.

He was taken to hospital and required emergency brain surgery.

A six-month investigation by another police force recommended an assault charge against an officer, but only weeks later the Crown ruled out charges, saying the use of force was reasonable and the man’s condition may have been medical.

Civil liberties president Lindsay Lyster says the groups want the entire file released for their review, arguing the testimony relied on by the Crown was made by secret experts and behind closed doors.