Government tables new security certificate legislation

Five men are currently the subject of security certificates — four have been released on strict bail conditions, while suspect Hassan Almrei is still in custody…

Suspects named in a security certificate do not get the chance to testify before a Federal Court judge after a closed-door hearing has taken place. The suspect is only provided with evidence against him or her that the judge has ruled can be safely released without providing a threat to national security.

Almrei, who was born in Syria and came to Canada as a refugee in 1999, has been held without charge since October 2001. The government claims he was part of a forgery ring linked to al-Qaeda, but has not released the evidence against him.

This unjust practice was introduced in 1978 and was declared in violation of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms by the Supreme Court in February, meaning it’s illegal but those in power get away with it anyway.   I guess they’ve been standing ready to violate “rights and freedoms” since 1978 then. 
Who’s going to detain them?

So the government is making some gesture towards modifying the practice so detainees have access to a “special” advocate.

October 23rd, 2007