By the ST5 Team
December 10th is International Human Rights Day, a time to promote human rights and reflect on ways we can achieve a common standard of human rights protection for people around the world. However, December 10th also marks a much less celebratory event: in 2002, Mohamed Harkat was arrested and detained under a security certificate. This day was the beginning of a now eleven year-long struggle for justice, freedom, and the protection of his and other security certificate detainees’ human rights. Whether the timing of Harkat’s arrest was planned or accidental, the irony is clear.
Since 2002, Harkat has spent 43 months in jail and over seven years under some of the strictest house arrest conditions in Canadian history. He has fought his case and the use of security certificates at all levels of the Canadian justice system, including two challenges - one successful, and one pending judgment - at the Supreme Court of Canada. He has never been charged with a crime.
There are a number of ways you can mark this important date and help promote human rights in Canada:
Join the thousands of people who have already signed the Statement Against Security Certificates. Politicians, unions, organizations, and concerned citizens in Canada and abroad have already shown their support.
Consider making a donation to the Justice for Harkat Committee to help continue the fight against security certificates and to clear Harkat’s name.
