Convicted Quebec murderer in men’s institution as request for women’s prison studied
Al Ballouz, who now identifies as a woman and goes by the name Levana, has asked to be incarcerated at the Joliette Institution for Women.
A Quebec man, convicted of murdering his wife and two children, is currently being held in a men’s federal prison while authorities review his request to be transferred to a women’s facility, according to Correctional Service Canada.
Mohamad Al Ballouz, sentenced on December 20 to life imprisonment with no parole eligibility for 25 years, was convicted for the 2022 murders of Synthia Bussières and their sons, Eliam (5) and Zac (2), in Brossard, a Montreal suburb. Al Ballouz, who was also found guilty of arson for setting the family condo on fire, was her husband at the time of the murders.
Now identifying as a woman and going by the name Levana, Al Ballouz has requested to be housed at the Joliette Institution for Women.
Correctional Service Canada explained that offenders are evaluated within 60 to 90 days after being admitted to a federal facility to assess their security risks and review the details of their cases. This assessment helps determine the appropriate facility based on the safety of the public, staff, and other inmates, while also considering victims’ concerns.
The agency emphasized its commitment to accommodating offenders who request gender identity-based adjustments, including placement in an institution aligned with their gender identity or expression. This is done regardless of the offender’s sex or anatomical characteristics, provided there are no significant health or safety risks that cannot be addressed.
Each request is individually evaluated, and when safety concerns arise, alternatives are arranged to meet the offender's gender-related needs within the current institution.
At the sentencing in Longueuil, Quebec Superior Court Justice Eric Downs described Al Ballouz as "sadistic" and without remorse. The court heard that Bussières was brutally stabbed 23 times, with at least 11 of the wounds being defensive. The two children were killed, and Al Ballouz then consumed wiper fluid and set the fire in an attempt to destroy evidence. The cause of death for the boys could not be determined in the autopsy.
The case also attracted attention from political figures, including Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, who expressed his disapproval on social media, stating, “I can’t believe I have to say this: but when I’m (prime minister), there will be no male prisoners in female jails.”
