Saturday, November 15, 2003

ACADEMICS DEMAND ACTION ON ARAR

In yesterday's Globe and Mail an open letter was written to Solicitor General Wayne Easter demanding a public inquiry into the deportation of Maher Arar. The letter was written by UofT law professor Audrey Macklin and was signed by almost every other professor from that faculty, along with academics from McGill University, Universite de Montreal, Queen's University, University of Ottawa and others.

The professors begin,
"Dear Mr. Easter: The case of Mahar Arar demands your attention."

They raise many pointed questions as to what Canada's role in Mr. Arar's deportation was and why he was deported to Syria when Canadian, American and international law clearly indicates that he should have been deported to Canada upon request. They conclude:

"Only an independent inquiry, with the authority to subpoena witnesses and compel disclosure of evidence, can address these questions. The RCMP Complaints Commission lacks these powers, and therefore is not the appropriate venue to bring the relevant facts to light. All Canadians - especially Maher Arar - deserve answers."

Absolutely.

Posted by Matthew @ 1:33 a.m.