Original author: N/A
Source: 24 hours news services
URL: N/A
Date: May 26, 2005

Amnesty International says the U.S.-led war on terror is taking a massive toll on human rights, citing Canada as a cohort country trampling rights in the name of security.

In its annual report released yesterday, Amnesty names Canada for several human rights abuses.Canada is criticized for detaining six men without charge under the controversial security certificate program, and for failing to come clean on the role of Canadian authorities in citizens like Maher Arar who were detained and tortured abroad.

Alex Neve, Amnesty International Canada's head, said the report sounds an alarm bell for change.

NDP MP Alexa McDonough said Canada must deviate from the U.S. path that puts security ahead of human rights.

Amnesty's report also blasts Canada for six incidents of police abuse where men died after they were subdued by a Taser gun and for a high level of violence and discrimination against aboriginal women.