Canada: Free Khadr from Guantanamo Bay
Liberals, Bloc, NDP Seek Khadr's Freedom, Propose Reintegration
Feb 12, 2009
Obama, Khadr's lawyers along with leading members of the Muslim community have also sent a letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper spelling out a plan for his reintegration into Canadian society.
The Opposition’s Case For Khadr's Release
Canada’s opposition leaders base their case for Khadr’s return around his age. He was 13 years old when he was recruited, young enough to be considered a child soldier. According to the letter, posted on the Liberal Party of Canada’s official website: “Significant ambiguity exists as to what role he played in connection with the conflict, and whether he is guilty of any criminal misconduct.”
The Khadr case has served to unite the opposition parties. In an article on cbc.ca describing a recent press confrence, Liberal Foreign Affairs Critic Bob Rae argues: “It’s in the interests of state and security to have a followed-up return with the guarantees that involves.” The Liberals have been calling for Khadr’s release for the last year.
The Conservatives were asked if they would press the case with the Obama administration, but have stated they will not. New Democrat MP Paul Dewar, asked Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon if the government has sought any legal opinon on Khadr's release. Cannon responded with a flat no. In an article on cbc.ca, spokespeople for for the Prime Minister have called the oppsition's letter to Obama a stunt.
Muslim Community's Reintegration Plan For Omar Khadr
Along with the letter sent by the opposition leaders, Khadr’s lawyers along with renowned members of the Muslim community revealed their plan for Omar Khadr’s reintegration after being released.
Upon release, Omar Khadr would live with host families, and be spiritually counseled by moderate Muslim clerics. His recovery is to be supervised by a committee representing a variety of local agencies including a psychiatrist and well-known terror and torture expert Donald Payne. Costs will be covered by those responsible for his care.
The plan's details were shared in a letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper. According to cbc.ca it emphasized the fact those agencies responsible for Khadr would also take legal responsiblity for all aspects of his life. The letter pledged to supervise: “all aspects of Omar’s life in Canada, until such time as he is able to become a fully functioning member of the Canadian mosaic.”
In the same article, Khadr’s lawyer urged Harper to meet with the group. He added that he thought Harper’s “obligation is to bring Omar home and allow him to heal.”
According to the Canadian Press Khadr is willing to undergo the purposed reintegration.
Khadr's Possible Criminal Prosecution
Khadr's charges include murder, attempted murder and terrorism. Canadian law doesn’t recognize these charges. If he is charged it will be under clauses in the Criminal Code dealing with terrorism. Khadr has told the Canadian Press he is willing to stand trial. “We’re not running, we’re not hiding,” his lawyer Dennis Edney commented in an interview with the Canadian Press. Later in the same interview he added if charged, his client would be forcefully defended.
Omar Khadr is among the last foreign nationals in Guantanamo Bay prison. The case will not be on the agenda when the President visits Ottawa February 19th.
