Guelph Sex Offender Medhani Yohans Faces Deportation Order but Remains Protected in Canada
Law enforcement authorities in Guelph, Ontario, have issued three separate public warnings regarding convicted sex offender Medhani Yohans, who continues to pose a significant risk to the community despite an existing deportation order against him. According to sources speaking to the Toronto Sun, the 36-year-old Eritrean national cannot be removed from Canada because he holds protected person status.
Protected Status Overrides Deportation Order
Yohans originally arrived in Canada as a sponsored refugee from Eritrea, which grants him protected person status under Canadian immigration law. A Canada Border Services Agency source explained that this status overrides the deportation order unless immigration officials issue a formal "Danger Opinion" declaring him a threat to Canadian society.
"There is a Deportation Order against him, but he can't be removed because he's a 'Protected Person,'" the CBSA source revealed. "The only thing that overrides that is a 'Danger Opinion.'"
Ottawa Rejects Danger Opinion Request
Despite Yohans' criminal history that includes convictions for sexually assaulting strangers and other violent offenses, federal authorities in Ottawa have reportedly rejected requests to issue a Danger Opinion against him. The CBSA source expressed frustration with this decision, noting that Yohans' sexual assault convictions apparently weren't deemed sufficient to label him dangerous enough for removal.
"We tried getting one and were shot down by headquarters," the source stated. "Apparently, his sexual assault convictions aren't enough to label him a Danger."
Pattern of Re-arrests and Judicial Leniency
Yohans has demonstrated a pattern of re-offending and re-arrest. Most recently, he was released on Monday only to be re-arrested within hours in downtown Guelph after police allegedly witnessed him breaching probation conditions. This follows a similar incident last July when he was charged with multiple offenses just 24 hours after being released.
The CBSA source also criticized judicial handling of Yohans' cases, noting that multiple judges have shown leniency despite the serious nature of his crimes. Last July, Yohans pleaded guilty to breaching probation and a peace bond, receiving only time served from Judge Matthew Stanley.
Crown Attorney Decisions Questioned
Further complicating the situation, the Guelph Crown attorney's office has withdrawn several sexual assault charges against Yohans that could have strengthened the case for a Danger Opinion. The CBSA source suggested these decisions have undermined efforts to have Yohans declared dangerous enough for deportation.
"The Crown is also to blame because they withdrew a bunch of charges of sexual assault that would've made the case for the 'Danger Opinion' much stronger," the source emphasized.
Police Express Ongoing Concerns
Guelph Police have repeatedly expressed concerns about Yohans' risk to the community, particularly to women. In a July statement, police noted his history of violence including two stranger sexual assaults and warned that he may commit similar offenses in the future.
The CBSA clarified their position in a statement to the Sun, explaining that for protected persons, "their risk upon return needs to be balanced against the danger that the person poses to Canada." The agency added that criminal matters take precedence over immigration matters, meaning foreign nationals charged with crimes cannot be removed until those charges are resolved.
Yohans was scheduled for a bail hearing on Wednesday, though the outcome remains unknown. None of the recent charges against him have been proven in court. The case highlights the complex intersection of criminal justice and immigration policy in Canada, particularly regarding protected persons with serious criminal records.
