Justice minister to file complaint against judge

Quebec’s justice minister will file a complaint against a judge who said a 17- yearold victim of sexual assault had a pretty face and was maybe a “bit flattered” at the interest shown in her.

Le Journal de Montreal reported Wednesday that Quebec court Judge JeanPaul Braun made the comments earlier this year during the sexual assault trial of taxi driver Carlo Figaro, who was eventually found guilty of attacking her in his cab.

“We can say she is a little overweight, but she has a pretty face, huh?” Braun said at one point. He went on to say she was possibly even “a little flattered” because “maybe it’s the first time he’s interested in her.”

Braun said the victim was perhaps a bit naive, although she didn’ t expect to be groped during the taxi ride.

The trial heard that Figaro licked the girl’s face and grabbed her before she was able to get out of the vehicle.

Braun noted that trying to kiss someone could be seen as an acceptable gesture.

In Quebec City on Wednesday, Justice Minister Stephanie Vallée called the judge’s remarks unacceptable and said she intends to file a complaint.

Braun convicted Figaro, 49, last May of sexual assault and the cabbie will return to court in November for a sentencing hearing. He is appealing the verdict.

Quebec court Chief Judge Lucie Rondeau said in a statement the court would not comment on Braun’s case. But that didn’t stop provincial politicians weighing in.

Helene David, the minister responsible for the status of women, called on judges to address the issue.

“Do they need more training? Do they need more sensibility? I don’t know — this is their problem,” David told a news conference. “But they have to solve that kind of problem and change the mentality and attitude.”