Ex-Iqaluit councillor’s aggravated assault charge dropped
Joanasie Akumalik pleaded not guilty to the single charge last year
Former Iqaluit city councillor Joanasie Akumalik no longer faces a charge of aggravated assault. The charge was dropped Wednesday. (File photo)
A former Iqaluit city councillor’s aggravated assault charge has been dropped.
Joanasie Akumalik was charged with aggravated assault on June 13. He resigned from city council on June 22, after serving close to 10 years.
When his trial opened Wednesday, Crown lawyer Stephanie Boydell told the court she was not calling any evidence in Akumalik’s case.
“The Crown calls no evidence and asks this court to dismiss the charge,” Boydell said.
Akumalik had pleaded not guilty to the charge at an Aug. 29 court appearance.
Judge Susan Charlesworth, who presided over the matter, confirmed the charge was dismissed.
“The Crown has provided no evidence of that, so you are found not guilty,” Charlesworth said.
Before leaving, Akumalik thanked the court for its work and said the past few months had been difficult for him and his family.
“I just want to thank the staff, and happy new year to you,” he said.
Akumalik also apologized to the community and to his family before leaving the courtroom.
Joanasie, there is no reason to be sorry. The Crown didn’t call any evidence against you and your charges were dropped. So no evidence was shown and therefore you are innocent. This is the reason ppl shouldn’t make a big deal about stuff until it is proven in court because ppl assume a person is guilty before they are legally found to be. Go on with your life and don’t worry about it. No matter what happened, in the public’s you should be seen to be innocent.
Under a strict reading of the ‘law’ that is all correct. At the same time a person can feel ‘guilty’ because they know they acted in ways they regret and done wrong by their own standards. If you know you have done wrong guilt is not absolved just because the court finds no evidence. I often see apologies like this is a partial confession. Admittedly, this is only speculation.
Thank you Dr . Phil
When I first heard about the charge I was like it can’t be, he is such a gentle guy, sorry this happened to you, one of the voices for the people here while on the city council, it’s too bad you had to step down.
Keep your head up Joanasie, all the best.
I am envious of the Ex Mayor being called Former Mayor of Iqaluit after his shameful exit from the position and this innocent man being called Ex Councillor.
I am curious, why a former mayor? what happen anyway. If he was indigenous it be plastered all over the media. what really happen, better job offer? What?
Joanasie, charges dropped, the media, the people with an attitude that you are guilty until proven innocent, will remind for the rest of your life, of this incident