Source: Ecawar.org Date: July 30, 2005 Please read the article following this one, by Matthew Behrens of Toronto's Homes Not Bombs, in order to grasp what went on in court during the few days of the bail hearing of Hassan Almrie. It is a fascinating read of the hearing and I could not have written a more accurate article. What follows is my account of my stay in Ottawa and Toronto for members of ecawar as I feel that I merely represented this group and that of the Edmonton campaign to stop secret trials and deportations. We are well versed in the goals of this sub committee. Thank you kindly my friends Linda Leibovitz -- Start of my visit. The March for "No One is Illegal":
I will start now with the beginning of my 11 days spent in the east. Day one found me in good company with Mrs. Sophie Harkat marching for a day with people from all parts of the country who marched for 7 days at 7 hrs per day from Montreal to Ottawa.
Canada day 2005, after 11 very trying and difficult days spent seeing the reprehensible and deplorable behavior of our government regarding deportations, detentions, and the awful conditions caused by security certificates. The pain and suffering felt by the deported and those they leave behind; the grief and sorrow of the imprisoned men, their family and friends caused by the hard hearted and tainted justice system of Canada has to be seen to be believed. Canada day in Ottawa was a cathartic day of clarity when I truly experienced the dichotomy that is Canada. The happy and jubilant crowd of approx. 300,000 people of all colours and creeds were celebratory and obviously thankful to be living in this beautiful country. So many were new immigrants and loved Canada like a new child loves it's mother. Yes Canada is this living, nurturing, mother to those it chooses to accept as immigrants but I had spent all my time in Ottawa and Toronto seeing the dark underbelly of foulness which security certificates and deportations have caused.
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