Real Chayer, a 59-year-old martial arts coach, appeared in court on Monday to address over 60 new alleged sexual offences involving minors. The court session occurred in Joliette, Que., northeast of Montreal, where Chayer was subsequently ordered to be detained, as confirmed by provincial police in a statement released on Tuesday.
In May 2023, Chayer was charged with sexual assault, sexual contact, and incitement to contact, leading to his release on conditions. However, authorities have now reported 61 new sex-related charges laid against him. These new allegations pertain to crimes that allegedly transpired between July 2001 and December 2022.
Real Chayer is registered as the owner of a martial arts academy in Repentigny, Que., located to the east of Montreal. It has been revealed by the police that Chayer, in his capacity as a coach, exerted authority over his alleged victims, who were boys from Laval, Repentigny, and Chayer’s hometown in the Lanaudiere region.
Karate Quebec, the governing body for the sport in the province, has issued a statement confirming that the accused was not affiliated with them. The organization strongly condemned any form of inappropriate behaviour and is committed to acting with accountability and transparency.
They further encouraged anyone who has faced harassment, abuse, or assault while practicing the sport to report it through the provincial Sport’Aide platform.
The news of these new charges has sent shockwaves through the Quebec martial arts community and raised concerns about the safety and protection of minors in sports programs. Such allegations have serious implications not just for the accused but also for the sport itself, as they raise questions about the screening and monitoring of coaches and the responsibility of sports organizations in ensuring the safety of young athletes.
It is essential for organizations and authorities to take swift and decisive action to address these allegations and take measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on January 16, 2023.
The new charges against Real Chayer come as a shocking development in this ongoing case, and they serve as a reminder of the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of young athletes in sports programs. The legal proceedings and investigations will hopefully shed light on the truth and provide justice for the victims.