Original author: Sean Gordon, Ottawa Bureau
Source: The Toronto Star
URL: [link] (subscribers only)
Date: March 24, 2005


OTTAWA-The federal government is willing to amend its controversial security certificate process to allow the "controlled release" of terrorism suspects who currently face either indefinite detention or deportation to countries where they may be tortured.

Justice Minister Irwin Cotler said the certificate law, which currently applies only to asylum-seekers and permanent residents, could eventually cover Canadian citizens.

In response to questions from opposition members, Cotler said he would examine changing the security certificate statutes to allow judges to order house arrest, curfews, electronic monitoring and other forms of open custody.

Testifying before Parliament's justice committee, Cotler indicated he is also open to providing for the appointment of independent counsel in security certificate cases.

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