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'Security Certificates' an insult to Canadians
News Release - May 30, 2003 - Canadian Arab Federation

(Toronto) The Canadian Arab Federation (CAF) today called for a major overhaul of the current practice that allows, under the Immigration and Refugee protection act, for the detention and eventual expulsion of certain individuals based on a ministerial certificate. "Under such certificates, people are being held indefinitely without bail, based on secret evidence which renders them unable to defend themselves and challenge their accusers, " said CAF National President Raja Khouri. "The Star-Chamber-like secret court proceedings that are taking place in this country are a dark stain on our human rights record."

A "Security Certificate" was used in Montreal last week to detain a 30-year-old Moroccan-born man, Adil Charkaoui, on suspicion he is connected to terrorists. Another man, Mahmoud Jaballah, an Egyptian-born with 4 children, has spent 22 months in solitary confinement in a Toronto cell on similar suspicions. "It is un-Canadian to hold someone without charges or proof of guilt," said CAF Executive Director Audrey Jamal. "This flies against the basic rules of justice".

CAF believes the use of 'Security Certificates' relies too much on the good faith of the authorities and does not provide the checks and balances embedded in usual criminal proceedings. It is common sense to assume that, like all human beings, security personnel are not exempt from making mistakes, exceeding their limits or being prejudiced in their actions.

CAF calls for a new process that allows for evidence to be challenged while allaying fears over national security. "Judges need to hear both sides of the story and have the benefit from cross-examination of the evidence," said Mazen Houdeib, CAF Vice President for Quebec. "This is how justice in a civilized society is served".

CAF has often cautioned that the excessive security agenda following the events of September the 11th have unduly threatened civil liberties and human rights in Canada. Particularly affected have been Arabs and Muslims who have fallen suspect by nature of their ethnicity or religion.

For information contact Raja Khouri or Audrey Jamal at (416) 493-8635.