Lawyers representing Ottawa terror suspect Mohamed Harkat in a secret hearing have won the right to see a wide range of documents never before released to his defence team.
In a decision released yesterday, Federal Court Justice Simon Noël ruled the federal government had to disclose "drafts, diagrams, recordings and photographs" that have been collected by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) during their investigation of Mr. Harkat, a former pizza delivery man who is alleged to be an al-Qaeda operative.
Judge Noël's ruling came at the end of an eight-day secret hearing, during which Mr. Harkat was represented by two special advocates.
Mohamed Harkat was working as a pizza delivery man when taken into custody on a security certificate in 2002. He now lives in Ottawa under very strict bail conditions.View Larger
[PHOTO: Mohamed Harkat was working as a pizza delivery man when taken into custody on a security certificate in 2002. He now lives in Ottawa under very strict bail conditions.
Wayne Cuddington, The Ottawa Citizen]
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Harkat wins right to see evidence of alleged terror
posted on September 25, 2008 | in Category Mohamed Harkat | PermaLink
by Andrew Duffy
Source: The Ottawa Citizen
URL: [link]
Date: September 25, 2008
CSIS says it needs 6 months to gather files
Terror suspect wins right to see spy agency documents
posted on September 25, 2008 | in Category Mohamed Harkat | PermaLink
Source: Canadian Press
URL: [link]
Date: September 24, 2008
OTTAWA — Accused terrorist Mohamed Harkat has won the right to see secret material compiled against him by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service.
But it may be up to six months before his lawyers obtain all the material, prolonging a battle he's been waging for five years to stave off deportation to his native Algeria.
Justice Simon Noel of Federal Court issued an order Wednesday for CSIS to hand over a wide range of material, including written drafts, diagrams, recordings and photographs related to the case.
The disclosure was mandated in light of a recent Supreme Court ruling that considerably broadened the security service's obligation to reveal information to those accused of security offences.
[ Read the rest ... ]
URL: [link]
Date: September 24, 2008
OTTAWA — Accused terrorist Mohamed Harkat has won the right to see secret material compiled against him by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service.
But it may be up to six months before his lawyers obtain all the material, prolonging a battle he's been waging for five years to stave off deportation to his native Algeria.
Justice Simon Noel of Federal Court issued an order Wednesday for CSIS to hand over a wide range of material, including written drafts, diagrams, recordings and photographs related to the case.
The disclosure was mandated in light of a recent Supreme Court ruling that considerably broadened the security service's obligation to reveal information to those accused of security offences.
[ Read the rest ... ]
Feds ordered to share evidence with defence in Harkat security case
posted on September 25, 2008 | in Category Mohamed Harkat | PermaLink
Source: CBC News
URL: [link]
Date: September 24, 2008
All intelligence and information related to the case of an Ottawa man arrested in 2002 on a security certificate must be released by the federal government to his lawyers, a Federal Court judge has ruled.
Canadian Security and Intelligence Service drafts, diagrams, recordings, photographs and other evidence concerning Mohamed Harkat are covered by the ruling released by Judge Simon Noël on Wednesday.
In his order, Noël cited a Supreme Court of Canada decision earlier this year on evidence disclosure requirements in the case of another man living under a security certificate, Adil Charkaoui.
Harkat, an Algerian refugee, has been living under a security certificate since his arrest in December 2002, and the government has been seeking his deportation.
The Canadian Security Intelligence Service accused him of being an al-Qaeda "sleeper agent" and alleged that Harkat trained under Osama bin Laden's top lieutenants in Afghanistan.
Harkat has denied the allegations.
Harkat spent 3½ years in a detention centre but was subsequently released on strict bail conditions.
Security certificates are a contentious tool the government can use to detain non-citizens pending deportation proceedings. When the detained person faces deportation to a country where there is evidence they will be tortured, their removal from Canada generally cannot proceed, leaving them in the limbo of a possibly indefinite imprisonment, critics argue.
The Supreme Court ruled in 2007 that the security certificate process was unconstitutional, and it gave the federal government a year to remedy the law.
Copyright © CBC 2008
URL: [link]
Date: September 24, 2008
All intelligence and information related to the case of an Ottawa man arrested in 2002 on a security certificate must be released by the federal government to his lawyers, a Federal Court judge has ruled.
Canadian Security and Intelligence Service drafts, diagrams, recordings, photographs and other evidence concerning Mohamed Harkat are covered by the ruling released by Judge Simon Noël on Wednesday.
In his order, Noël cited a Supreme Court of Canada decision earlier this year on evidence disclosure requirements in the case of another man living under a security certificate, Adil Charkaoui.
Harkat, an Algerian refugee, has been living under a security certificate since his arrest in December 2002, and the government has been seeking his deportation.
The Canadian Security Intelligence Service accused him of being an al-Qaeda "sleeper agent" and alleged that Harkat trained under Osama bin Laden's top lieutenants in Afghanistan.
Harkat has denied the allegations.
Harkat spent 3½ years in a detention centre but was subsequently released on strict bail conditions.
Security certificates are a contentious tool the government can use to detain non-citizens pending deportation proceedings. When the detained person faces deportation to a country where there is evidence they will be tortured, their removal from Canada generally cannot proceed, leaving them in the limbo of a possibly indefinite imprisonment, critics argue.
The Supreme Court ruled in 2007 that the security certificate process was unconstitutional, and it gave the federal government a year to remedy the law.
Copyright © CBC 2008
Supreme Court of Canada refuses to consider question of deportation to torture
posted on September 18, 2008 | in Category Security Certificates | PermaLink
by Press Release
Source: Coalition Justice pour Adil Charkaoui
URL: [link]
Date: September 18, 2008
SUPREME COURT REFUSES TO CONSIDER QUESTION OF DEPORTATION TO TORTURE
Montreal, 18 September 2008 - The Supreme Court announced today that it will not consider the question of whether it is legal for Canada to deport someone who is recognized to be at risk of torture.
Me. Johanne Doyon, Adil Charkaoui’s lawyer, asked the Supreme Court in April 2007 to consider the constitutionality of the law allowing the Minister of Immigration to balance the alleged risks in national security cases and to deport non-citizens to death and torture.
“I am saddened that the Supreme Court has not taken the opportunity to consider this important question and give the Conservative government a clear directive about the absolute ban on deportation to torture. There is a frightening trend. There are growing numbers of both non-citizens and citizens whom Canada has failed to protect from torture, from Sogi Singh to Maher Arar and more,” said Adil Charkaoui, a Montreal-based teacher and father of three. Charkaoui was first arrested under the much-contested security certificate – a deportation procedure established by Canadian immigration law - in May 2003.
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Making life miserable
posted on September 17, 2008 | in Category Mohamed Harkat | PermaLink
by Jo Wood
Source: The Ottawa Citizen, letters to the editor
URL: [link]
Date: September 12, 2008
Re: Birthday party turns into rally for Harkat, Sept. 7
Those of us looking forward to celebrating Mohammed Harkat's 40th birthday were outraged when Canada Border Services Agency refused to let Mr. Harkat attend because the potluck would be "political." First, it was not a political event (unless fundraising for his dental work is political). Second, why shouldn't he attend political events? What is the security risk? There seems to be no end to the ways in which border services agency attempts to make the Harkats' life as miserable as possible. Jo Wood Ottawa © The Ottawa Citizen 2008
MPs who voted for secret trials: Remind them of this in election
posted on September 16, 2008 | in Category Security Certificates | PermaLink
by "TASC"
Source: Secrettrials-org Email List
URL: N/A
Date: September 15, 2008
List of shame: MPs who voted for two-tier justice, deportation to torture and indefinite detention
Below is a list of shame, individuals who voted in Parliament on 6 February 2008 for secret trials, two-tier justice, indefinite detention without charge, invasive surveillance and control orders, and deportation to torture. Note that many Liberals, who had the choice to vote no or abstain, chose to vote yes. Among those who will still try to campaign on the "we love the Charter" hypocrisy are Navdeep Bains, Carolyn Bennett, Irwin Cotler, Michael Ignatieff, Sue Barnes, Dan McTeague, and many others.
Abbott
Ablonczy
Albrecht
Allen
Allison
Ambrose
Anders
Anderson
Bagnell
Bains
Baird
Barnes
Batters
Bélanger
MORE --->
[ Read the rest ... ]
Source: Secrettrials-org Email List
URL: N/A
Date: September 15, 2008
List of shame: MPs who voted for two-tier justice, deportation to torture and indefinite detention
Below is a list of shame, individuals who voted in Parliament on 6 February 2008 for secret trials, two-tier justice, indefinite detention without charge, invasive surveillance and control orders, and deportation to torture. Note that many Liberals, who had the choice to vote no or abstain, chose to vote yes. Among those who will still try to campaign on the "we love the Charter" hypocrisy are Navdeep Bains, Carolyn Bennett, Irwin Cotler, Michael Ignatieff, Sue Barnes, Dan McTeague, and many others.
Abbott
Ablonczy
Albrecht
Allen
Allison
Ambrose
Anders
Anderson
Bagnell
Bains
Baird
Barnes
Batters
Bélanger
MORE --->
[ Read the rest ... ]
ICLMG REPORT: Canada’s Anti-Terrorism Laws in Violation of International Human Rights Standards
posted on September 16, 2008 | in Category Canada | PermaLink
Source: International Civil Liberties Monitoring Group
URL: N/A
Date: September 14, 2008
International Civil Liberties Monitoring Group (ICLMG) Individual
UPR Submission – Canada, February 2009
Submission of Information by the ICLMG to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in relation to the Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Canada to take place in February 2009
Canada’s Anti-Terrorism Laws in Violation of International Human Rights Standards
The ICLMG
1. The ICLMG is a pan-Canadian coalition of civil society organizations that was established in the aftermath of the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attack in the United States. The coalition brings together 38 international development and human rights NGO’s, unions, professional associations, faith groups, environmental and refugee organizations. Its purpose is to monitor the impact of anti-terrorism legislation on human rights standards, to advocate against abuses and violations, and in certain cases, to take up the cause of those who have become innocent victims of such abuses.
[ Read the rest ... ]
URL: N/A
Date: September 14, 2008
International Civil Liberties Monitoring Group (ICLMG) Individual
UPR Submission – Canada, February 2009
Submission of Information by the ICLMG to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in relation to the Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Canada to take place in February 2009
Canada’s Anti-Terrorism Laws in Violation of International Human Rights Standards
The ICLMG
1. The ICLMG is a pan-Canadian coalition of civil society organizations that was established in the aftermath of the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attack in the United States. The coalition brings together 38 international development and human rights NGO’s, unions, professional associations, faith groups, environmental and refugee organizations. Its purpose is to monitor the impact of anti-terrorism legislation on human rights standards, to advocate against abuses and violations, and in certain cases, to take up the cause of those who have become innocent victims of such abuses.
[ Read the rest ... ]
VIDEO: Mohamed Harkat Birthday Dinner
posted on September 11, 2008 | in Category Mohamed Harkat | PermaLink
Thanks to Bill Clennett for producing this video of the birthday party for Mo, held in Ottawa on September 6th, 2008.
This is only Part 1, All three parts can be viewed at Youtube.com. Links below.
Part 1 - [link]
Part 2 - [link]
Part 3 - [link]
Absent à son propre anniversaire
posted on September 10, 2008 | in Category Mohamed Harkat | PermaLink
par Louis-Denis Ébacher
Source: Le Droit
URL: [link] (subscribers only)
Date: 8 septembre 2008
[PHOTO: Sophie Harkat à côté d’une chaise vide symbolisant l’absence de son mari Mohamed à la célébration de son anniversaire. Martin Roy, LeDroit]
Les proches de Mohamed Harkat ont souligné sa fête malgré son absence, accusant les autorités canadiennes de gâcher la partie.
Sa femme, Sophie, voulait célébrer le 40e anniversaire de M. Harkat dans le sous-sol de l’Église de l’Ascension, à Ottawa, pour y accueillir la quarantaine de proches et de membres de la famille. « L’Agence des services frontaliers a refusé la permission à Mohamed de participer à sa propre fête parce qu’elle craignait que ce soit une fête à saveur politique », explique-t-elle devant un gâteau de fête et une chaise vide, symbolisant l’absence de son conjoint.
Mohamed Harkat est détenu dans sa résidence d’Ottawa en vertu d’un certificat de sécurité. Le gouvernement le soupçonne d’activités terroristes et le confine à résidence. Ses quelques sorties hebdomadaires doivent être annoncées à l’avance et son bracelet de positionnement global par satellite (GPS) doit être porté en tout temps. Or, les preuves contre lui n’ont jamais été rendues publiques. « Est-ce que tout cela a l’air politique ? », se questionne Sophie Harkat devant les crudités et les boissons gazeuses. « Nous n’aurions jamais invité les médias si la permission nous avait été accordée. Nous voulions une fête intime, sans politique, rajoute la conjointe du détenu. Ce sont les autorités qui ont rendu cette affaire politique en refusant à Mohamed de participer à sa propre fête. »
Mohamed Harkat a finalement pu assister à sa fête, après tout le monde, en visionnant la vidéo tournée pour lui samedi dernier. Il s’est adressé aux gens présents via un enregistrement audio. « Je veux que les Canadiens connaissent la vérité par un procès juste. En attendant, essayez de vous amuser à mon anniversaire. »
Copyright © 2000-2008 Cyberpresse Inc., une filiale de Gesca. Tous droits réservés.
[ Read the rest ... ]
Source: Le Droit
URL: [link] (subscribers only)
Date: 8 septembre 2008
[PHOTO: Sophie Harkat à côté d’une chaise vide symbolisant l’absence de son mari Mohamed à la célébration de son anniversaire. Martin Roy, LeDroit]
Les proches de Mohamed Harkat ont souligné sa fête malgré son absence, accusant les autorités canadiennes de gâcher la partie.
Sa femme, Sophie, voulait célébrer le 40e anniversaire de M. Harkat dans le sous-sol de l’Église de l’Ascension, à Ottawa, pour y accueillir la quarantaine de proches et de membres de la famille. « L’Agence des services frontaliers a refusé la permission à Mohamed de participer à sa propre fête parce qu’elle craignait que ce soit une fête à saveur politique », explique-t-elle devant un gâteau de fête et une chaise vide, symbolisant l’absence de son conjoint.
Mohamed Harkat est détenu dans sa résidence d’Ottawa en vertu d’un certificat de sécurité. Le gouvernement le soupçonne d’activités terroristes et le confine à résidence. Ses quelques sorties hebdomadaires doivent être annoncées à l’avance et son bracelet de positionnement global par satellite (GPS) doit être porté en tout temps. Or, les preuves contre lui n’ont jamais été rendues publiques. « Est-ce que tout cela a l’air politique ? », se questionne Sophie Harkat devant les crudités et les boissons gazeuses. « Nous n’aurions jamais invité les médias si la permission nous avait été accordée. Nous voulions une fête intime, sans politique, rajoute la conjointe du détenu. Ce sont les autorités qui ont rendu cette affaire politique en refusant à Mohamed de participer à sa propre fête. »
Mohamed Harkat a finalement pu assister à sa fête, après tout le monde, en visionnant la vidéo tournée pour lui samedi dernier. Il s’est adressé aux gens présents via un enregistrement audio. « Je veux que les Canadiens connaissent la vérité par un procès juste. En attendant, essayez de vous amuser à mon anniversaire. »
Copyright © 2000-2008 Cyberpresse Inc., une filiale de Gesca. Tous droits réservés.
[ Read the rest ... ]
Special advocates decry gags in security certificate cases
posted on September 08, 2008 | in Category Security Certificates | PermaLink
By Cristin Schmitz
Source: Lawyer's Weekly Magazine
URL: [link]
Date: September 12, 2008
Canada’s revamped security certificate legislation is under Charter attack by the very lawyers the government hoped would ensure the new law’s constitutionality and credibility — the special advocates.
In an ironic twist of events, two court-appointed special advocates have filed affidavits in Federal Court complaining that they will not be able to properly defend the interests of security certificate detainees at upcoming closed-door judicial reviews which will determine whether secret government evidence proves that the detainees are threats to national security.
The special advocates for three of the five men currently held under security certificates, Gordon Cameron of Ottawa’s Blake Cassels & Graydon and Paul Cavalluzzo of Toronto’s Cavalluzzo Hayes, point to what they contend are overly broad gag rules in s. 85 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).
The senior counsel say the gags drastically constrain their communications far beyond what is justifiably necessary to protect the confidentiality of sensitive government information.
[ Read the rest ... ]
Source: Lawyer's Weekly Magazine
URL: [link]
Date: September 12, 2008
Canada’s revamped security certificate legislation is under Charter attack by the very lawyers the government hoped would ensure the new law’s constitutionality and credibility — the special advocates.
In an ironic twist of events, two court-appointed special advocates have filed affidavits in Federal Court complaining that they will not be able to properly defend the interests of security certificate detainees at upcoming closed-door judicial reviews which will determine whether secret government evidence proves that the detainees are threats to national security.
The special advocates for three of the five men currently held under security certificates, Gordon Cameron of Ottawa’s Blake Cassels & Graydon and Paul Cavalluzzo of Toronto’s Cavalluzzo Hayes, point to what they contend are overly broad gag rules in s. 85 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).
The senior counsel say the gags drastically constrain their communications far beyond what is justifiably necessary to protect the confidentiality of sensitive government information.
[ Read the rest ... ]
