Descent Into Crime: Montreal Woman Handcuffed and Thrown into Cell for Failing To Hold Escalator Handrail

Bela Kosoian, 38, is a handrail felon. The mother of two was taking an escalator down to the Montreal subway on her way to Université du Québec à Montreal, where she studies international law. She ended up handcuffed and held in a small cell for not holding the handrail on the escalator.

A subway cop spotted Kosoian’s dangerous descent into crime around 5:30 pm and told her to hold the handrail. The Georgia-born Canadian did not hear or respond to the first instruction. The officer told her again and she replied, “I don’t have three hands.” The officer demanded identification and Kosoian argued with him. The officer then handcuffed and confined her. She then was given a $100 ticket for the handrail violation and a $320 ticket for obstruction.

This bizarre story sounds all too familiar for D.C. residents given the recent arrest of a school girl for eating french fries on the subway. It is part of a general trend toward the criminalization of conduct in America, including a not just public transportation but public schools.

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