Mounties alleged to have abused aboriginal girls
OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) - An international human rights watchdog has accused members of Canada's national police force of abusing aboriginal women and girls in British Columbia.
New York-based Human Rights Watch said it uncovered an allegation of rape and others of assault by members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police against aboriginals.
The alleged incidents were found through a broader investigation into charges of systemic neglect of missing and murdered aboriginal women along B.C.'s Highway 16, nicknamed the "Highway of Tears."
The report details specific allegations of abuse by officers.
RCMP Chief Supt. Janice Armstrong said Wednesday the force has been unable to investigate because complainants have not come forward since Human Rights Watch approached it about the charges five months ago.
The allegations come amid recent Canada-wide aboriginal protests over living conditions.