The newest member of Team Harkat is no stranger to fighting tough legal battles, but even this one has Norman Boxall feeling like his hands are tied. "It's the most frustrating thing I've ever been asked to be involved in," the lawyer said yesterday at a 40th birthday party for Mohamed Harkat, the accused al-Qaida operative being monitored under a national security certificate. "You aren't permitted to do what a lawyer normally does," Boxall said. Boxall only joined Harkat's legal team two months ago and is already seeing the challenges of defending someone without knowing the complete details of the allegations. The feds earlier this year appointed a group of special advocates to protect the rights of those bound by security certificates, but personal lawyers are not privy to the information disclosed to the advocates. STAGE UNKNOWN

For that reason, no one really knows what stage Harkat's case is at. Boxall said a closed hearing might be scheduled next week, but he doesn't know where it is, when it is or what's supposed to be discussed. Harkat continues to live under strict bail conditions in Ottawa. The feds didn't clear Harkat to attend his own birthday party at Church of the Ascension, between Colonel By Dr. and Main St. His wife Sophie, who will turn 34 on Sept. 17, said Harkat last night was with her mother for a "pre-approved outing at a pre-approved location." About 50 people showed up for Harkat's birthday party and they left an empty chair in the middle of the room with his picture surrounded by streamers and balloons. Supporters were miffed that Harkat, who turned 40 on Aug. 6, wasn't permitted at his own party. "What do you gain by this? You gain creating a little more hardship for this guy," said Karen Markle, 46. Copyright © 2007, Canoe Inc. All rights reserved.