It made the hunger strike to be able to bathe in Rawdon

Photo special collaboration, Geneviève Quessy
Stéphane Breault was transported by ambulance to an 11th day of strike in front of the city hall in Rawdon.

Geneviève Quessy

Monday, 31 July, 2017 21:26

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Monday, 31 July, 2017 21:26

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RAWDON | After 11 days of hunger strike to give them the right to bathe in the waterfalls Rawdon, a man has accepted that the ambulance take him to the hospital, Monday.

“I am a victim of injustice. The municipality prevents me from swimming so that a lot of people do and that it is only “tolerated,” proclaims Stéphane Breault.

Swimming is prohibited near the falls and cascades Rawdon, in the Lanaudière region. Several accidents or even drownings have occurred here over the years. It does not prevent many swimmers violate the rules, ” he said.

Criminal charges

It is a regular. So well that he has accumulated nearly $ 800 in fines. He even spent 24 hours in jail for disturbing the peace when he refused to get out of the water at the request of a security officer.

“The police came to pick me up at Tim Hortons to ask me to sign a commitment not to go swimming. I refused, so they took me. “

Stéphane Breault has had to commit itself before the court of Joliette, on the 19th of July, not to return near the waterfalls. He has pleaded not guilty to charges of trespass at night as well as obstructing the work of officers of the peace.

He then started a hunger strike. He said to have eaten nothing since.

“My paradise “

“It is this place that has given me back the taste for life after a serious trauma,” he explains. I have chronic back pain and swimming is the only way to relieve myself. This is my paradise, here, and I think that it should be a right for everyone to bathe at all times, in all places. “

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The cascades Rawdon are dangerous.

He recounts having moved to Rawdon, 11 years ago to be able to bathe in this place. It would be more than 60 days per year, rain or shine.

“My action, I am hoping that a lawyer will be to help me to defend me pro bono. I also want to ask the government to make a law to allow all people 15 years of age and older to swim where they want, when they want, without anyone other than themselves can be held responsible in case of accident. “

Weakened, Mr. Breault was followed, on Monday, paramedics called by her concerned friends. The director-general of the City of Rawdon, Francis Dauphin, was watching the scene. He was ready to involve the police.

“Everyone has the right to express his beliefs, but it’s been long enough that it is there. We understood his message and we will communicate it to the next city council. “

Out of the question, however, allow you to swim in the waterfalls. “This is a dangerous place and insurance does not cover in the event of an accident,” he said.

Mr. Breault has no intention to resume his hunger strike. His trial will take place on 12 September in Joliette.