Moroccan suspect wins chance to appeal in Canada

[sbs]

Terrorism
Moroccan suspect wins chance to appeal in Canada

Morocco TIMES 8/26/2005 | 12:11 am


Adil Charkaoui, a Moroccan suspected of belonging to al-Qaeda network has won the chance on Thursday to appeal to the Supreme Court, reported Reuters.


The move challenges the constitutionality of Canada's controversial security certificates, under which suspects can be held indefinitely.

In its brief statement, the Supreme Court gave no reasons for its decision to hear Charkaoui's appeal.

The appeal is likely to be heard in the first half of next year, but the decision might not be taken until late in 2006 or in 2007.

"I am claiming no more than my right as a human being to a fair trial, to life, liberty and security of the person, to equality as well as to freedom from arbitrary detention, and from cruel and unusual punishment," Charkaoui said in a statement on Thursday.

His lawyers will tell the court that the security certificate used to jail him and the bracelet on his leg is unconstitutional, reported the Canadian CTV.

Charkaoui was held in custody, under a security certificate, for almost two years on allegations that he had been seen with al-Qaeda officials and trained in Afghanistan. He denied the allegations.

Earlier, a lower court ruled that Charkaoui be freed in February on bail, against the wishes of the Canadian government. However, he was ordered to meet strict conditions, including wearing an electronic monitoring bracelet.

Charkaoui is among the five men who have been detained under the certificate since 2000.

Under the security programme, non-citizens can be detained indefinitely without charge, using evidence that can be kept secret.


http://www.moroccotimes.com/paper/ar...?idr=2&id=9199