Villanueva family threatens to snub public inquiry into teen's death

Key witnesses and the family of Fredy Villanueva are threatening to boycott a public inquiry into the teen's death over the government's refusal to cover legal costs for all witnesses equally.

Villanueva, 18, was shot by police last summer after officers tried to arrest his brother during a confrontation in Montreal North. The shooting led to widespread riots in the community.

The provincial government said it will pick up the cost of the Villanueva family's legal representationat the public inquiry, which is scheduled to begin Feb. 16. Police officers will also have their lawyers paid for by the state.

However, the government will not cover legal expenses for other witnesses, including the families of two young people who were also shot by police in the same incident.

Patricia Villanueva, the victim's sister, said the inquiry should give equal treatment to everyone taking the stand.

"We will not participate in the public inquiry, that's for sure, because it is not just for everybody," she told reporters at a news conference.

Lawyers for some witnesses expected to testify at the inquiry said government officials told them last month that their legal costs would be covered.

However, the lawyers received a call last week to inform them that was no longer the case.

On Wednesday, some media reports indicated that the government had softened its stand on the issue. However, officials with the Public SecurityMinistry confirmed to CBC News thatthe governmentwould pay for legal assistance for the Villanueva family but not the other witnesses.

Critics worry inquiry will be 'lopsided'

The government called the inquiry after Crown prosecutors said no charges would be laid against the officer who fired the fatal shots.

Prosecutors said the officer feared for his life and that ofhis partner and acted with justified force.

Lawyer Peter Georges-Louis, who represents the Villanueva family, says next month's proceedings will just be a repeat of the police investigation if witnesses are not represented and if lawyers don't have all the necessary documentation.

He also said the witnesses need more time to prepare.

Fo Niemi, executive director of the advocacy group Centre for Research-Action on Race Relations, said he worried about the young people in the community who cannot afford to pay for lawyers themselves.

"Putting an 18-year-old youth through that meat grinder is unthinkable when that 18-year-old is not assisted or represented by a lawyer," he said. "It's a very lopsided process. It's five against one."

The public inquiry, led by Judge Robert Sanfaon, will take place at the Gouin courthouse.

The coroner's office, which is overseeing the inquiry,announced this week that it will follow regular procedure and prohibit cameras and recording equipment from inside the hearing room.