Psychiatrist says terror suspect Mohamed Harkat poses low risk of violence

OTTAWA — A psychiatrist who has treated terror suspect Mohamed Harkat for the last eight years says the refugee from Algeria is unlikely to commit violent acts.

Dr. Colin Cameron has told a Federal Court of Canada hearing on Harkat’s release conditions that his patient supports democracy and expresses revulsion about terrorist attacks. Harkat, who is closely monitored by Canadian border agency officials, wants general permission to use the internet outside his family home and to travel freely within Canada. Authorities are asking the court to deny the requests, saying Harkat continues to pose a threat almost 15 years after being arrested. Harkat, 49, was taken into custody in Ottawa in December 2002 on suspicion of being an al-Qaida sleeper agent but he denies any involvement in terrorism.

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