Jaspal Atwal’s apology derailed by heated exchange between his lawyer and a reporter

The press conference in which convicted former Sikh extremist Jaspal Atwal appeared alongside his lawyer to explain how he managed to get invited to two events during Justin Trudeau’s February India visit got off to a dismal start.

Jaspal’s Lawyer Rishi Gil grilled reporter Jordan Armstrong from Global News following a question he directed to Atwal. In a meeting prior to the press conference, Gil requested that all questions go through him.

“Is Mr. Atwal going to vote for Mr. Trudeau in the future?” Armstrong asked Jaspal directly.

But the lawyer responded instead of Jaspal.

“He’s not going to say he’s going to vote for him in the future. He …” said Gil, who was then cut off by the reporter.

”He’s sitting right there. Can he tell us?” said Armstrong.

Gil responded, “What was that?”

The lawyer then stopped proceedings, leaned back in his seat and started unpacking Armstrong’s ethical conduct.

Armstrong initially persisted in his demand for Atwal to personally answer questions with Gil getting ever more aggressive.

“Mr. Armstrong from Global News,” said Gil, “What occurred on three different occasions, at least, I explained to the press, and certainly the first two, that Mr. Atwal is not the most sophisticated speaker at any sense. He has been devastated by this incident.”

Atwal sat expressionless during the exchange.

Later, Atwal, who was convicted for attempted murder of an Indian cabinet minister in 1986, read from a two-minute prepared statement expressing regret for his actions.

“I was completely shocked and devastated…I’m sorry for the embarrassment this incident has caused Canada, India, my community, family and friends,” said Atwal.

In a CTV interview, former B.C. Premier, Ujjal Dosanjh said Atwal’s attendance at the reception in India with the Trudeaus was “a casual request and honoured.”

He did not entertain the notion that it was a ploy to discredit Trudeau because of the perception that his administration shelters Sikh separatists who are believed to be a strong voting bloc for the Liberal Party.

Dosanjh told CTV it didn’t indicate a security breach but simply, “a diplomatic blunder.”

Having been a victim of assault by Atwal himself several years ago, Dosanjh told the media outlet he believes that Atwal had been rehabilitated and has true remorse for his actions.

Here in Windsor, local Liberals were watching with interest.

Doug Sartori, president of the Windsor West Federal Liberal Association, said it’s important to note that Atwal had received visitors’ passes to the House of Commons in Ottowa in 2013 and 2014.

“It’s important for the public to be informed, but I think it is also very important for journalists to provide proper context to the facts that are reported,” said Sartori.

Sartori also said that Gil was not helping Atwal’s case by trying to discredit a reporter.

“Gil’s behaviour showed why it is important for public figures dealing with the press to have expert professional help,” said Sartori.