The Immigration and Refugee Board is an independent tribunal that hears refugee protection claims, and immigration and refugee appeals, conducts detention reviews and holds admissibility hearings. An Immigration and Refugee Board judge who makes decisions on the future of some of society’s most vulnerable has been placed on administrative duties while she fights an assault charge against her. A refugee board spokesperson said Kohler has been employed by the board since 2001 and as a member of the immigration division tribunal since 2007. Kohler did not appear in the Newmarket court Tuesday, but Jody Berkes, her lawyer, said his client will vigorously fight the charge. Iris Kohler, 53, was charged with assault by York Regional Police after an alleged incident involving a woman in Richmond Hill on May 13, according to documents filed with the Ontario Court of Justice.

Source: thestar August 09, 2016 20:37 UTC