Limits on Harkat’s lifestyle eased

A judge has granted terror suspect Mohamed Harkat more freedom — though not as much as he asked for.

In a judgment made public Wednesday, Federal Court Justice Sylvie Roussel gave Harkat permission to travel anywhere in Ontario or Quebec for 72 hours without notifying authorities.

The Algerian refugee — who faces deportation on national security grounds — can also report to officials in person just once a month, not every two weeks.

Roussel denied Harkat permission to have a laptop computer with internet capability for personal use outside his home. But she opened the door to the possibility of internet access for employment purposes.

Overall, the judge found the existing release conditions were “disproportionate with the danger posed by Mr. Harkat.”

Harkat’s wife, Sophie, expressed disappointment with the ruling, saying the hurdles set out for internet use at work could scare prospective employers away.

At a two-day hearing in November, Harkat asked the court to impose less strict monitoring of his everyday activities by the Canada Border Services Agency as he awaits the outcome of his extended legal saga.

Harkat, 49, was arrested in Ottawa in December 2002 on suspicion of being an al-Qaida sleeper agent. He denies any involvement in terrorism.

The federal government is trying to deport the former gas-station attendant using a national security certificate — a legal tool for removing non-citizens suspected of ties to extremism or espionage.