The police of Quebec province, Canada, issued an unusual warning to citizens: sharing surveillance images of packages being stolen could violate the privacy of the alleged thieves.
This warning, issued by the Sûreté du Québec (SQ), aims to protect the right to presumption of innocence and privacy, as highlighted by Lieutenant Benoit Richard, SQ’s communication officer, in statements to Fox News Digital.
Lieutenant Richard emphasized the importance of respecting Canadian law, which values the presumption of innocence. He advised citizens to hand over theft evidence, including surveillance images, directly to the police instead of posting them online. “We will conduct the investigation, bring this person to justice, and present some charges,” he stated.
Furthermore, he warned that publishing these images might lead to defamation charges against those who post them. The Sûreté du Québec reinforced this point in an email sent to Fox News Digital, citing articles 35 and 36 of the Quebec Civil Code. These articles establish that every person has the right to respect for their reputation and privacy, and that violating this privacy requires the consent of the affected person or legal authorization.
The SQ also mentioned that the disclosure of photos without consent could result in a series of civil or criminal lawsuits, depending on the circumstances.
The police’s comments provoked reactions and disbelief among Canadians, many of whom are surprised that they could face legal problems for posting security images of their properties, particularly in cases of package theft. This warning from the SQ highlights the delicate balance between protecting private property and respecting the legal rights of all individuals, including those accused of crimes.
