Quebec judge grants bail to man who spent more than 30 years in prison for four murders
The case of Daniel Jolivet is being reviewed by a federal panel for possible miscarriage of justice.

Daniel Jolivet, a man who spent 33 years in prison for four murders, was released on bail by the Quebec Superior Court on Friday. The decision came after serious concerns were raised earlier this year about the fairness of his initial trial.

Judge Lynne Decarrier said in a Montreal courtroom that Jolivet would be released from prison pending the conclusion of a federal review into possible miscarriage of justice. Jolivet was visibly emotional as he heard the verdict, telling reporters as he left the courtroom, “The fight is not over.”

He expressed hope that the federal government would review the case and make a decision as soon as possible.

Asked if his release was an early Christmas present, the 68-year-old, who has always maintained his innocence, said:
“This is not a gift that was given to me. The judge released me on bail, but after 33 years, what gift? You should have done it the first week I said I was innocent.”

Judge Decarrier said the release plan presented to Jolivet was very strong and promising, adding that returning to society after more than three decades in prison will not be easy, but having the support of those around him can help.

The bail hearing lasted just one day, and the Quebec prosecutor’s office did not oppose his release.

Bail has been available since October, when the federal government said there were reasonable grounds to believe there was a miscarriage of justice in the case. The case will now be reviewed by the Criminal Convictions Review Panel of the Department of Justice.

In June, Quebec prosecutors wrote to Jolivet's lawyer that a review of the case showed that his trial was unfair and that key evidence was not presented to his defense team.

Jolivet was convicted in 1994 of two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of second-degree murder in connection with a fatal shooting in Brassar, Quebec in 1992. Although he initially won an appeal, the Supreme Court of Canada reinstated the convictions in 2000.

Judge Decarrier also told the victims' families that he understood the decision was difficult for them and urged investigators to proceed without delay.

Jolivet's lawyer, Nicolas Senjac, said after the verdict that his client would finally be able to "breathe and experience real life" after more than three decades in prison. He added that the federal investigation could take between 18 months and five years.

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