All Canadians entitled to justice, and that includes Omar Khadr

Editor: As expected, Conservative spin doctors are putting their political twist on the federal government’s decision to award Omar Khadr a settlement of $10.5 million. And, they are casting nets far and wide to capture whomever they can with their vitriol, except for two of the parties largely responsible: the Conservative Party of Canada under the previous prime minister and the Supreme Court of Canada.

A Global News source explained the Supreme Court’s decision very simply: “The rule of law was violated.” Canadian intelligence officials obtained evidence from a Canadian citizen under “oppressive circumstances,” in other words, torture.

To be fair, this information was received in 2003 and 2004 under the previous Liberal government.

However, the previous Conservative government resisted repatriating Omar Khadr and, as reported by CBC, opposed his release on bail.

The article contends that if the Conservatives were still in office it might still be fighting Khadr’s lawsuit.

This lawsuit was originally seeking $20 million in compensation. This amount would be in addition to years of legal fees.

“The deprivation of (Khadr’s) right to liberty and security of the person is not in accordance with principles of fundamental justice,” the court ruled.

In Canada, we operate under the rule of law. All of our citizens have the right to expect this. Further, we Canadians expect to have the advice of and be represented by a lawyer. This was also denied to Khadr. Not only was Khadr a Canadian citizen at the time of his offence, he was also a 15-year-old who was very much under the influence of a fanatical father.

In 2010, he pleaded guilty “to murder as well as attempted murder, conspiracy, providing material support to terrorists and spying.” However, his lawyer argued this plea was “the compelled result of a hopeless choice.”

In Canada, we treat young people differently from adults for very good reasons.

Also, we have rules and rights that apply to all of our citizens, not just to those to whom we want them to apply. The Conservatives need to remember this.

David Gunderson, Kelowna