The following statement was issued today by Lloyd M. Strickland, Director of Public Prosecutions:

“Any allegation of political interference with the exercise of prosecutorial discretion is a serious accusation and an affront to the integrity of Public Prosecutions and the Crown Attorneys that dutifully serve the public.

Public Prosecutions has strictly maintained independence from any political considerations. That independence has absolutely and consistently been respected by others in Government.

With regards to the matter being reported by media today, I can confirm there was absolutely no political interference involved in the decision to prosecute.

Former RNC officer Joseph Smyth was charged in 2018 with obstruction of justice following a thorough investigation by the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT). I assessed the investigative report produced by ASIRT to determine if the Crown would proceed with a criminal prosecution. On behalf of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, I determined that the charge of obstructing justice was warranted based on the available evidence.

It may also be important to recall that Mr. Smyth was convicted at trial, and that conviction was overturned after an appeal.

To be clear, there has not been any political interference or pressure in regard to any decision or case being considered or prosecuted by Public Prosecutions.”

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Media contact
Kim Cooper
Executive Assistant
Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions
709-729-2868
kimcooper@gov.nl.ca