Canada: A thread of Justice?

OTTAWA – The ruling in the Omar Khadr case gives reason for hope and celebration. While we have had a series of governments in recent years that have a growing disdain for democracy, the Supreme Court finally made a ruling on the Omar Khadr case that respects the values that are traditionally Canadian.

The Supreme Court ruled that Section 7 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms was breached in Omar Khadr's case, as Canadian officials contributed to the violation of his rights to life, liberty and security of the person. The ruling said the interrogation "offends the most basic Canadian standards about the treatment of detained youth suspects."

"Canada has been rapidly moving towards a disdain for international law and Human Rights and a mind set in government that one is guilty until proven innocent," commented Elizabeth May, Leader of Canadian Greens. "The message to Prime Minister Harper by the Supreme Court of Canada is clear. Give Omar Khadr the opportunity to prove his innocence.  This triumph should be celebrated by all Canadians.” The big question now is whether Mr. Harper is up to the challenge." Ms. May has repeated the recommendations made by the Canadian Bar Association (CBA) in 2007 that urged all Canadians to stand up and fight for justice and human rights.

Omar Khadr, a Canadian and former child soldier imprisoned for unproven charges of killing an American soldier in a firefight at only 15 years old has been languishing in the infamous Guantanamo Bay prison since 2002. He is to be tried this year by a questionable ad hoc U.S. military tribunal.

On August 11th, 2007 the Globe and Mail, U.S. lawyers speaking at the CBA convention pointed out that "it is inexplicable that Canada has stood by silently while a citizen whose alleged crime was committed while he was still a child is being systematically railroaded.” CBA president Parker MacCarthy referred to Khadr's treatment as a "travesty of justice.”

"Let us hope and pray," said Joe Foster, Green Party Human Rights Critic," that Canada will now request the immediate return of Omar Khadr to Canada and give him a fair chance for rehabilitation after the inhumane treatment that he has undergone. It is time for justice, not revenge." There have been concerns that as a result of his harsh treatment that his mental and physical health has deteriorated and there were reports that he may be going blind. When asked about the unfairness of his incarceration Khadr simply replied, "Canada doesn't care."

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Debra Eindiguer
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C: 613.240.8921
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