Ottawa: Security Certificate Detainee Coming Home

Yesterday, at an unexpected turn Mohamed Harkat was released on bail. Mohamed Harkat has been detained since December 2002 on a Security Certificate. Security Certificates are anti-terror legislation that allows for a certificate to be issued on any non-citizens who live in Canada. The certificates detain individuals without charge for indefinate amounts of time. Some of the detainees including Harkat are refugees who came here in order to get away from horrid conditions though, arguably being locked up without charge violates human rights.

Harkat if deported to Algeria would face torture and be separated from his wife Sophie. CSIS claims he is a member of Al Qaeda, which he has always denied. However, as none of the evidence that is used against him is not even allowed to be seen by his lawyer.

Harkat will have to give $35,000 up front and $82,500 in promised funds. He will also have to wear a GPS bracelet and will only be able to leave his home 3 times a week for 4 hours with his wife or mother-in-law with Federal government permission.

The other Security Certificate detainees are Mohammad Mahjoub, Mahmoud Jaballah, Hassan Almrei who are being held in a new jail for Security Certificate detainees in Milhaven, Ontario and Adil Charkaoui who has also been released on Bail.

For More Information:
Justice for Mohamed Harkat
Canadian Security and Intelligence Service
Canadian Peace Alliance on Security Certificates