Original author: Canadian Press (CP)
Source : The Brandon Sun (Manitoba, Canada)
URL: [link]
Date: October 24, 2005


OTTAWA (CP) - Lawyers representing Mohamed Harkat, who has been held for 34 months as an accused terrorist, are in Federal Court seeking bail for their client.

Harkat has been in custody in Ottawa since he was arrested in December 2002, on suspicion of being an al-Qaida sleeper agent. The Canadian Security Intelligence Service contends Harkat is an Islamic extremist and collaborator with Osama bin Laden's terrorist network.

Harkat is one of five Muslim men being held on security certificates issued under federal immigration law.

A federal judge upheld the certificate last March, potentially clearing the way for his deportation, but Harkat denies involvement in terrorism and wants to remain in Canada.

In February, a judge released Moroccan-born Adil Charkaoui of Montreal, another detainee, on 50,000 dollars bail with strict conditions.© 2005 The Brandon Sun - All Rights Reserved