CSC says suspect's release was legally required; agency launches review
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Following HighOnCity's coverage of the stabbing at the Nanaksar Gurdwara in Edmonton, the Correctional Service of Canada has responded to questions we raised about the suspect's release despite a violent crime history.
According to CSC: "Statutory release is not a choice or discretionary decision by CSC – it is required by law after an offender serves two-thirds of a fixed-length federal sentence, with the offender being supervised in the community under conditional release."
The suspect was released Thursday on statutory release. He remains in secure custody after police apprehended him shortly after Friday's incident.
CSC extended "heartfelt thoughts to the Sikh community and to all those affected by the violent incident," and said the two injured individuals are wished "a full and speedy recovery."
The agency confirmed it launched an immediate review of all circumstances surrounding the case "to identify any additional actions, as required." However, CSC directed questions about the ongoing investigation to Edmonton Police Service and noted that questions about parole decisions should go to the Parole Board of Canada.
Our original coverage raised several questions that remain unanswered. Specifically: what specific supervision or monitoring conditions applied after the suspect's release—CSC's statement confirms he was supervised in the community but does not say how. Also unresolved: whether Edmonton Police are treating the attack as a hate crime, which CSC deferred to Edmonton Police Service to address.
