21 August 2004

House of Commons
Ottawa ON
K1A 0A6

The Right and Honourable Paul Martin,

I am writing you regarding the case of Adil Charkaoui. Like many Canadians, I followed his case through the media. I found it very concerning that Canada might think of deporting someone to a country where just the possibility of torture exists.

It is also more concerning to know that Immigration Canada, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch all agree that Mr. Charkaoui would be tortured if deported to Morocco. Our government should have one voice when it comes to defend human rights of people regardless of their background.

I found it so deplorable that our officials can tolerate to order the deportation of someone who has not been given the right to due process, the right to defend himself against all the allegations.

Talking about Anti-Terrorism Act on Monday August 17, at a meeting of the Canadian Bar Association, Justice Minister Irwin Cotler said, "I look forward to a comprehensive review". It seems to me unclear how our politicians admit that there is a need to review our legislation and in the meantime our courts continue to deny to five Muslim men including Mr. Charkaoui their right to open, independent and fair trial.

I would like, Mr Minister, that you intervene in this case in particular, and allow Mr. Adil Charkaoui to have a fair and due process, and if he is guilty of any crime let's trial him here in Canada and not send him to be tortured and jailed in Morocco.

I know through my own personal struggle to bring justice to my husband, that in the fight against terrorism we cannot permit to lose our cherished human right principles and our Canadian values of justice of due process, and fairness.

Sincerely,
Dr. Monia Mazigh

CC: Anne McLellan, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Solicitor General of Canada
CC : Coalition Justice pour Adil Charkaoui