Close X
Monday, November 11, 2024
ADVT 
International

RCMP To Charge Syrian Officer In Maher Arar Torture Case, Lawyer Says

The Canadian Press, 01 Sep, 2015 11:35 AM
    OTTAWA — A lawyer for Maher Arar says the RCMP is laying torture charges against a former Syrian military intelligence officer for alleged involvement in the torture of the Ottawa telecommunications engineer.
     
    Lawyer Paul Champ says while the colonel's whereabouts are unknown, the charges represent the culmination of a decade-long RCMP investigation.
     
    Arar, a Syrian-born Canadian, was detained in New York in September 2002 and soon after deported by U.S. authorities — winding up in a grave-like cell in Damascus.
     
    Under torture, Arar gave false confessions to Syrian military intelligence officers about supposed involvement with Osama bin Laden’s al-Qaida network.
     
    A federal commission of inquiry led by Justice Dennis O’Connor concluded that faulty information the RCMP passed to the United States very likely led to Arar's year-long ordeal.
     
    Champ, Arar's wife Monia Mazigh, and representatives of Amnesty International Canada appeared at a news conference today to announce the development.
     
    An RCMP document charges Col. George Salloum with torture.
     
     
    It is unclear whether he can be located and since Syria is beset by warring factions, casting doubt on the prospect of a trial any time soon. 
     
    It marks the second time in recent months the RCMP have laid charges against someone in a far-flung country for a crime committed many years ago.
     
    In June, almost seven years after the overseas hostage-taking of former journalist Amanda Lindhout, the RCMP arrested and charged a Somalian man.
     
    Lindhout and photographer Nigel Brennan were seized by young gunmen near strife-torn Mogadishu, Somalia, in August 2008. Both were released on Nov. 25, 2009.
     
    Ali Omar Ader, a Somalian national, faces a charge of hostage-taking for his purported role as a negotiator.

    MORE International ARTICLES

    Drug executives seeking approval for female libido pill previously ran afoul of FDA rules

    Drug executives seeking approval for female libido pill previously ran afoul of FDA rules
    A small drugmaker from North Carolina may succeed next week where many of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies have failed: in winning approval for the first drug to boost women's sexual desire.

    Drug executives seeking approval for female libido pill previously ran afoul of FDA rules

    New Zealand PM John Key Hails Indian Diaspora On Independence Day

    In his message to the Indian diaspora on the occasion of India's 69th Independence Day, he said: "As prime minister, I value the contributions Indian New Zealanders are making to the overall success of our country."

    New Zealand PM John Key Hails Indian Diaspora On Independence Day

    CF strikes ISIL in Iraq and Syria as DND slips into silent mode for campaign

    CF strikes ISIL in Iraq and Syria as DND slips into silent mode for campaign
    OTTAWA — Canadian warplanes have conducted 29 air strikes against Islamic State positions and units, including one in Syria, during the last month.

    CF strikes ISIL in Iraq and Syria as DND slips into silent mode for campaign

    Indian-American Cousins Convicted Of Murder Conspiracy

    Indian-American Cousins Convicted Of Murder Conspiracy
    A court in the US has convicted two Indian-American cousins of conspiring to commit murder, a media report said.

    Indian-American Cousins Convicted Of Murder Conspiracy

    Restaurants Ordered To Cook All Oysters From B.C. As Bacterial Illness Spreads

    Restaurants Ordered To Cook All Oysters From B.C. As Bacterial Illness Spreads
    Vancouver Coastal Health has asked restaurants to take increased precautions when serving oysters as more illnesses are reported.

    Restaurants Ordered To Cook All Oysters From B.C. As Bacterial Illness Spreads

    Environmental Groups Begin Testimony Into Whether CSIS Spying Broke The Law

    Environmental Groups Begin Testimony Into Whether CSIS Spying Broke The Law
    VANCOUVER — A lawyer representing environmental groups alleging they were illegally snooped on by Canada's spy agency can't tell clients about his testimony in a closed-door hearing in Vancouver.

    Environmental Groups Begin Testimony Into Whether CSIS Spying Broke The Law