Free Omar Khadr Now Committee, December 13, 2020
Omar Khadr’s security classification has been changed from maximum to medium. Omar was transferred from Guantanamo to Canada in September 2012 and placed in a maximum security jail. This placement was harshly criticized by The Office of the Correctional Investigator (OCI). “The OCI has not found any evidence that Mr. Khadr’s behavior while incarcerated has been problematic and that he could not be safely managed at a lower security level. I recommend that Mr. Khadr’s security classification be reassessed taking into account all available information and the actual level of risk posed by the offender, bearing in mind his sole offence was committed when he was a minor.”
Omar Khadr was classified as minimum security in Guantanamo. The OCI further noted that “According to a psychological report on file, Omar Khadr interacted well with others and did not present with violent or extremist attitudes”.
Many Canadians are pleased that the new classification will allow Omar to access programs, and services. However, it doesn’t alleviate the fact that Omar’s imprisonment is an abuse of human rights and the rule of law.
Dennis Edney, Omar’s lawyer said “My position is similar to that of the Ombudsman’s office he should be classified as minimum and released.”
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Related:
Edmonton Journal: Khadr reclassified, likely to be transferred to Bowden
Ombudsman scolds officials for branding Omar Khadr a maximum security inmate
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YES! This is the next step to his eventual release. I am grateful that he is a patient man and that he lives with hope. One day freedom! Hopefully soon.
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Yes it is good news in the sense that Omar will not be released on parole while he is in a maximum security facility. So that is thankfully behind him. The fact that he should not be there is obvious but since Prime Minister Harper is not going to annul his illegal conviction his changed status gives a little encouragement to those of us who stand up for true Canadian values. Furthermore one hopes he has more access to the medical attention he needs in a medium security prison.
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One step on the road to justice for Omar — Mandela was Omar’s hero & I hope the spirit of reconciliation that Mandela represented will permeate Canadian society. As a member of my United Church I’ve corresponded with Omar for 16 months and appreciate his warm, thoughtful letters. A quote from a recent one: “I know good things are coming my way. This is one of the beauties of faith; it gives us hope even when it doesn’t seem like there is any…. from a friend, All the best, Omar.”
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