Advocates applaud the Crown’s decision to appeal Sloka verdict
Posted May 20, 2026 03:49:29 PM.
Last Updated May 20, 2026 03:52:00 PM.
One of the largest and highest-profile sexual assault trials in the province came to an end last month, but there is a chance Jeffery Sloka will have to face the charges again.
On April 24, 2026, Justice Craig Parry acquitted the former Kitchener neurologist on all 48 sexual assault charges.
A verdict that shocked and outraged Sara Casselman, Executive Director, Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region (SASC). She told 570 NewsRadio that the decision offered no resolution, leaving only questions.
“You just look around and say, here in 2026, how is it that 48 women have their experiences completely discounted? How can it be that the expert witness is not even considered in the case?”
She told 570 NewsRadio that her organization was among several in the province that pressured the Crown to seek an appeal of the verdict.
“The thing that is abnormal in this case is that there were so many survivors with the same story or similar stories that had had no interaction with one another. That put it on the public’s radar and particularly made the public think, ‘How is this the justice system if 48 women are coming forward with a similar story?’”
Casselman learned the appeal would proceed on Tuesday.
It’s seeking a new trial, which would likely lead to the women having to testify again.
Casselman said she has heard from several of the complainants who have already said they would testify again. She also said she’s heard from some who are unwilling to go through the trauma a second time — some of those women spent days on the stand.
“I also completely understand and support those who don’t want to (testify). After so many years, the priority is their wellness and their mental health. If they decide to tap out of the process because they don’t want anything to do with the justice system that has already created such harm for them.”
“I don’t know what the outcome of an appeal would be, but I do know it was not okay to let that verdict stand without looking at it very carefully,” said Casselman. She concluded by saying, “people are looking at it (the appeal) to see whether survivors can have any sort of faith in our justice system. Our community is watching and our province is watching.”
