FOLA Calls for Investigation and Safeguards Following Incident at Oshawa Courthouse

For Immediate Release: January 28, 2026

The Federation of Ontario Law Associations (FOLA), representing 46 county and district law associations across the province, has written an open letter to Judges, the Attorney General, and the Solicitor General regarding the incident involving lawyer Sudine Riley at the Oshawa courthouse on January 23, 2026.

FOLA is shocked and appalled by the serious allegation that multiple officers assaulted a racialized female defence lawyer. An attack on defence counsel is an attack on the rule of law itself. Defence lawyers serve not only their clients but the administration of justice as Officers of the Court, and they must be able to perform this role free from intimidation, harassment, or violence.

“Courthouses are the guardians of Charter rights and must be places where all individuals—especially lawyers working within the system—are secure in their rights to safety and freedom from arbitrary detention”, said Allen Wynperle, Chair of FOLA.

FOLA is calling for a swift, thorough, and impartial investigation into the incident. Should the investigation reveal systemic issues or a harmful culture, FOLA urges immediate corrective action to ensure such conduct is eliminated from the Oshawa courthouse and all courthouses across Ontario.

FOLA also urges the implementation of policies, procedures, and training that recognize defence counsel and all licensees as essential stakeholders in the justice system. Ensuring their safety and dignity in courthouse spaces is fundamental to the proper functioning of Ontario’s justice system.

About FOLA

FOLA is a non-profit organization that represents Ontario’s 46 county and district law associations. Most of FOLA’s members are sole practitioners or work in small firms across the province.

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Contact:

Ian Hu

Director of Policy & Advocacy, FOLA

Email: ian.hu@fola.ca