On November 13, 2014, the Supreme Court of Canada refused to hear Dr. Hassan Diab’s case. The day after, he was extradited from Canada to France, torn from his family and community, and incarcerated in prison in the vicinity of Paris for allegedly committing the 1980 rue Copernic bombing even though his palm prints and fingerprints do not match those of the suspect. Hassan was extradited based on discredited evidence that the Canadian judge described as “very problematic”, “convoluted”, and “very confusing”. Hassan’s case would not pass muster under Canadian criminal law. In the judge’s own words, “the case presented by the Republic of France against Mr. Diab is a weak case; the prospects of conviction in the context of a fair trial seem unlikely” but he also said his interpretation of Canada’s extradition law left him no choice but to commit Hassan to extradition.

On October 27, 2016, a French investigative judge (juge d’instruction) ordered the release of Dr. Diab on bail. In his release order, the judge stated that he found “consistent evidence” supporting Hassan’s innocence… At this stage of the inquiry, there exists consistent evidence tending to establish that Hassan Diab was in Beirut late September, early October 1980… this calls into question information implicating him in the attack since this relies on his presence in France during this period”.

However, in a deeply disappointing move, the French prosecutor blocked Hassan’s release, and the Court of Appeal overruled the investigative judge’s orders and renewed Hassan’s detention.

JOIN THE BRING HASSAN HOME CAMPAIGN BY SIGNING THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT

“Dr. Hassan Diab was extradited from Canada to France based on a handwriting analysis report that the Canadian extradition judge described as “convoluted, very confusing, with conclusions that are suspect”. Hassan is now incarcerated in a French prison where he may remain up to two years while the examining magistrate decides whether to bring him to trial. I am deeply concerned that Hassan may be wrongfully convicted under France’s anti-terrorism laws, based on deeply flawed handwriting analysis and the use of secret, unsourced intelligence. I support Hassan’s legal defence in France, so he has a real chance to fight for justice and return to his home in Canada. We must make sure that the real perpetrators of the rue Copernic crime are brought to justice. Making an innocent man pay for a crime he did not commit will only further the tragedy.”

To sign the above statement, send an email to diabsupport@gmail.com indicating that you wish to add your name to the Bring Hassan Home Campaign statement.

Click here to see current signatures on the above Statement.

More background information here.

Free Salim Alaradi – We urge the United Arab Emirates to stop the torture, and unconditionally and immediately release Canadian citizen Salim Alaradi, who has been detained since August 2014.

TAKE ACTION

Background story:

On August 28, 2014 Salim was arrested without charge from a hotel during a family vacation.  His family was never told why he was arrested or where he was taken.  Family members immediately informed Canadian authorities.

On the same day, his brother Mohamad Alaradi was also arrested and detained.

The UAE authorities refused to provide information to the family.  The family did not publicly advocate in hopes of Salim’s immediate release, however, his whereabouts remained unknown for over four months until a call was received and details of his location were provided.

After 4 months his brother Mohamad was released. Reasons for arrest or release where never shared and are considered arbitrary. It is suspected that his release was due to international pressure and to reduce attention on those detained.

During this period, it became clear that Salim’s arrest was one of several arrests on residents who held Libyan nationality. At least ten Libyan men, some with dual nationality, were detained in the UAE between 13th of August and 3rd of September. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch quickly investigated and issued reports confirming that Salim’s detainment was considered enforced disappearance and arbitrary under international law.

United, we call upon the Government of Canada to:

1. Respect the right to freedom of opinion and expression

Therefore,

• Cease to deliberately target those who speak out against government policies with the use of smear campaigns, dismissal from employment, funding cuts, blatant and subtle threats, regulations designed to obfuscate and prevent public debate, and other acts of bad faith.
• Commit to parliamentary hearings that address widespread concerns about the loss of democratic space in Canada.

2. Act in accordance with Canada’s democratic traditions and values

Therefore,

• Actively promote and support political diversity and public debate, instead of avoiding it.
• Recognize and respect the vital role, expertise, and necessary independence of civil society organizations.

3. Be transparent

Therefore,

• Demonstrate full respect for and accountability to the Parliament of Canada and the Canadian People.
• Allow complete access for Canadians to information regarding public policy decisions.
• Base funding decisions for government and civil society organizations on fair standards and democratic principles, instead of partisan agendas.

Read more and endorse the Declaration, as an individual or an organization

Read the report Dismantling Democracy: Stifling debate and dissent in Canada