![\"Text](\"https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/a\/assets\/texttospeech.svg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Listen to this article<\/p>\n
Estimated 2 minutes<\/p>\n
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.<\/p>\n
The Barreau du Qu\u00e9bec has suspended the law licence of \u00c9mile Benamor, who is currently facing manslaughter charges tied to his ownership of an Old Montreal building that went up in flames, killing seven people.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Barreau posted a notice on its website on Friday announcing the suspension.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The notice cites the organization\u2019s professional code, which states that members\u2019 law licences can be suspended provisionally as an emergency measure to protect the public when a member is facing serious criminal charges.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Benamor is facing seven counts of manslaughter in connection with the fatal Old Montreal fire that killed seven people in 2023.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He was charged in March, after a three-year investigation. The fire, which tore through the more-than-100-year-old heritage property at the intersection of Place D\u2019Youville and du Port, was deliberately set, according to investigators.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The charges against Benamor do not allege he had anything to do with setting the fire, but they do allege that his negligence accelerated the propagation of the fire.<\/p>\n
The building had multiple fire code violations and several of its units were being used as illegal Airbnbs when it burned.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Benamor entered no plea when he was arrested.\u00a0<\/p>\n