The Honourable Anne McLellan

Minister of Public Security and Emergency Preparedeness
Sir Wilfrid Laurier Building, 13th Floor
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0P8

Dear Minister McLellan,

I write to you today regarding Mohamed Harkat, Adil Charkaoui, Hassan Almrei, Mahmoud Jaballah and Mohammad Mahjoub, who have been arrested and imprisoned under "security certificates". In the case of Mr. Mahjoub, this has meant almost four years in prison without charge!

I met with members of the men's families recently and was disturbed by their stories. All of the families described lives that have been torn apart by unfounded accusations. Lives lived in constant fear that their brothers, husbands, fathers will be deported back to countries where they face almost certain torture or even death.

I understand that we live in a post 9/11 world but surely our security concerns can be satisfied by less abusive measures than a secret trial, indefinite imprisonment and deportation to torture or death?

Thank you for your time and attention to this very important matter. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
Carolyn Parrish, MP
Mississauga Centre