Poilievre Targets Liberal Government Over ‘Catch-and-Release’ Bail System

The issue of bail for serious offenders in Canada has once again come under the spotlight. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has criticized the Liberal government, accusing it of allowing dangerous offenders to remain in the community because of what he calls weak bail laws.

Poilievre pointed to a recent incident in Windsor, Ont., involving 22-year-old Qasim Sabi, who has been accused of sexually assaulting two young boys. Police say Sabi was already facing allegations in an earlier case and was out under court-ordered conditions when the latest incidents allegedly occurred.

According to police, two boys, aged 8 and 10, were playing in their neighbourhood when Sabi allegedly approached them and engaged in inappropriate behaviour. He was later arrested and faces new charges, including sexual assault and breaches of his release conditions.

Poilievre said the case is another example of what he describes as Canada’s “catch-and-release” bail system. He argued that dangerous offenders should not be repeatedly released into the community and called for tougher bail laws to protect Canadians.

The allegations against Sabi have not been proven in court.