November 5, 2003

RE: Protection of Canadian Citizens Against Torture

The Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture (CCVT) is deeply concerned about the protection of Canadian citizens against torture. We are disturbed by what happened to Mr. William Sampson while in detention in Saudi Arabia and the apparent lack of intervention by the Canadian government. We are equally shocked and disturbed to hear about the deportation of another Canadian, Mr. Maher Arar, from the United States to Syria, and the torture and solitary confinement he endured for ten months and ten days in a Syrian prison with no meaningful intervention from the Canadian Government. Mr. Arar has identified another Canadian citizen Mr. Abdullah Almalki, who is under similar appalling conditions in Syria.

1. We find remarks by the Solicitor General of Canada about an internal investigation of the role of the RCMP by the Public Complaint Commission to be encouraging. However, we believe this issue cannot be resolved through internal investigation. As a Centre that works with torture survivors we endorse Mr. Arar's request and call upon the Canadian government to conduct a full public inquiry into the case of Mr. Araron to find the truth about the circumstances of his arrest while en route to Canada, his deportation to Syria and the role played by Canadian Government in this regard.

2. We ask for the Canadian government's active intervention to secure the release of other Canadians like Mr. Abdullah Almalki and Mr. Arwad Al-Bouchi from Syrian prisons.

The CCVT is urging the Canadian government to take all necessary measures to protect the fundamental and indivisible human rights of its citizens whether in Canada or overseas, and under all circumstances.

The Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture ( CCVT) aids survivors to overcome the lasting effects of torture and war. In partnership with the community, the Centre supports survivors in the process of successful integration into Canadian society, works for their protection and integrity, and raises awareness of the continuing effects of torture and war on survivors and their families. The CCVT gives hope after the horror.

For more information, please contact Mulugeta Abai, CCVT Executive Director, at 416-363-1066, or email him at mabai@ccvt.org.