by Jim Bronskill
Source: The Globe and Mail
URL: [link]
Date: December 10, 2010


A tearful Mohamed Harkat and his wife Sophie are vowing to press on with their marathon legal fight after a Federal Court ruling that declared the Ottawa man a threat to Canadian security.

Mr. Harkat told a news conference Friday that he was shaken by the decision, which brings him a significant step closer to deportation to his native Algeria. He plans to appeal.

“I can't sleep. I'm not thinking straight, I have pain in my stomach,” said Mr. Harkat, repeatedly dabbing at his eyes during the emotional session.

Mr. Harkat, a former gas station attendant and pizza delivery man, was arrested eight years ago Friday under a national security certificate on suspicion of being an al-Qaeda sleeper agent. He denies any involvement in terrorism.

Flanked by his lawyers and a clutch of supporters, Ms. Harkat called the ruling a “punch in the guts that will leave marks” for a long time.

“We will never, ever accept this judgment. We asked for the truth and this is not the truth,” she said.

“My husband will never admit to things he did not know, or admit knowing people he does not know.

“This fight is just beginning. I will stand by my husband till the end.”

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