Sask. Premier weighs in on cult leader’s presence in Richmound
The RCMP and provincial government of Saskatchewan may becoming involved as a cult leader sets up a compound in Richmound, according to reports Wednesday.
Premier Scott Moe told reporters in Regina he wasn’t personally aware of the details of “Queen Romana Didulo” supporters congregating in a former school in the southwest Saskatchewan village, located one hour northeast of Medicine Hat.
But, he said, Justice Ministry officials were the proper channel for public complaints, and they’ll meet the community’s legitimate leaders this week.
“Ultimately they’re the experts when dealing with what the law says,” Moe told Canadian Press reporters at the Legislature.
“Things have changed so much over the last number of years, and we have people with what can be considered extreme opinions about what is and isn’t in their community, the province and nation.
“We’d all do well, including this group to just be a little more understanding of, in this case, the people that live in the community. We have the right to hold views, but most certainly, to come around and push those views on other people is an unfortunate incident.”
A meeting between Saskatchewan Justice officials and some community leaders is scheduled for Friday.
“It will provide the community some advice on how they can protect the serenity of their community, and the government will support that,” said Moe.
CTV Regina reported on Wednesday the Leader RCMP detachment was looking into complaints of death threats made in blanket statements and “cease and desist” orders from the group’s leader.
Richmound residents staged a parading protest in late September around the former school that is now privately owned, honking horns and carrying signs telling the group to go elsewhere. They left Kamsack, Sask., northeast of Regina, two weeks ago after the public and nearby First Nations communities protested their presence.
“Queen Romano Didulo”, who tells people on social media she is the rightful ruler of the country and that their utility bills, property taxes and mortgages have been cancelled by her decree.
Last summer she claimed invisible military airships were observing the Peterborough, Ont. police station where several of her supporters were arrested for attempting to place serving cops under citizens arrest.
The group also issues so-called “cease and desist” letters, claiming the penalty for violation would be public execution.