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RCMP Lawyer Seeks Immediate Firing of B.C. Mountie Over Racist, Sexist Chat Messages

An oral ruling on sanctions is scheduled Wednesday following findings against three Coquitlam constables.

Overview

  • RCMP conduct authority lawyer John MacLaughlan urged that Const. Ian Solven be dismissed immediately or directed to resign within 14 days.
  • An adjudicator in November found Constables Ian Solven, Mersad Mesbah and Philip Dick committed discreditable conduct by posting racist, sexist and homophobic messages in group chats and on police systems.
  • The RCMP is seeking the officers’ dismissals and all three remain suspended with pay, with Solven suspended since 2021.
  • At Friday’s hearing, evidence cited included Solven describing a naked woman in a homeless shelter as “his entertainment” and calling colleagues “retarded” on a police system.
  • Solven told the board he “truly regrets” his actions and blamed personal frustrations, while his lawyer urged alternatives such as transfer, retraining and forfeiture of pay.