Rosetown, Sask. — Following a Jordan’s Principle ruling on Wednesday, defence lawyer Michael Owens resumed cross-examination of the complainant, a Bangladeshi woman protected by a publication ban, in the ongoing human trafficking trial involving accused Mohammed Masum and Sohel Haider.
Owens pressed the woman on why she did not flee during several trips to Saskatoon, suggesting she had multiple opportunities to escape. He also questioned why she did not try to leave during a trip to the United States, where she testified Masum kept her phone, laptop, and “important documents” that she said she could not leave behind.
Masum faces charges including human trafficking and sexual assault. On the latter, Owens asked why the woman did not fight back during the alleged assaults. Justice Martinez interrupted the questioning, reminding the court that assumptions cannot be made about how victims respond to sexual assault.
The defence later alleged the sexual assault allegations were fabricated by the complainant to secure her continued stay in Canada. Court heard the woman’s work permit expires in October, though she also holds a 10-year visitor visa.
Earlier testimony detailed a February 2023 altercation involving the complainant, Masum, and a man named Shelby in a Tisdale restaurant, as well as the woman’s frequent travels between Tisdale and Saskatoon. The witness admitted being left alone at times in Saskatoon but said she was unfamiliar with using her debit card or booking travel.
She also described fear preventing her from seeking help during an international flight to Phoenix, despite knowing she had her passport and the ability to contact authorities.
Justice Martinez adjourned the court until Thursday to allow the woman to continue her testimony under oath.