French Teacher Acquitted of Assault Charges

0:00A French teacher in Prince Edward Island named Roger Embahia has been cleared of sexual assault and sexual interference charges. The 49-year-old was accused of inappropriately touching a student in class at a school in Western PEI last fall. But the judge ruled there was no evidence the contact had any sexual purpose. The trial unfolded over two days in January and summerside, with more sessions planned for Thursday and Friday. After prosecutors finished their case, Embahia's lawyer pushed for an immediate acquittal due to weak evidence. By a lingual judge Nicole Angers agreed, issuing a directed verdict that ended the case right there. Lawyers call the outcome rare. Noting it has only happened twice in 30 years of practice. Embahia's team expressed relief, saying justice prevailed despite the tough ordeal. The student described a quick touch that felt uncomfortable, while other kids mentioned unrelated odd behaviors from the teacher. Embahia arrived in Canada on a work permit from Côte d'Ivoire, starting at the French school just days into the September term.

1:03As a unilingual French speaker, with mostly English learning students, communication hiccups arose. He had been on leave, wearing an ankle monitor, with his wife and four kids back home. Now free, Embahia is likely heading out of the province soon, leaving questions about his teaching future. The case highlights the need for solid proof in sensitive allegations before they reach Côte. I'm Corey with the story. That's your Vancouver News Today update. AI powered and always on.