During the past 3 months, the vision in Omar’s right eye has been rapidly deteriorating. He is no longer able to read and his studies have been put on hold. Omar is already blind in his left eye as a result of the US attack on a compound in Afghanistan and the cruel treatment he received in the US torture prisons Bagram and Guantanamo Bay. Omar has a cataract in his right eye caused by shrapnel lodged in it. This is treatable, but will only get worse if left untreated. It is distressing that he has not received timely medical attention and follow-up that his condition requires, and Corrections Canada has delayed till Omar is no longer able to read or continue his studies. The mandate of Corrections Canada is to provide “every inmate with essential health care“. Omar does not receive essential health care. Since Omar’s return to Canada, political interference has had unfortunate and damaging consequences. Without treatment his loss of vision may be imminent. Denial of medical treatment while his eyesight is rapidly failing is cruel and heartless. Since his torture by the United States, including waterboarding at the age of 15 (also see “CIA Torture report“), he is not in a better place on Canadian soil. We ask Omar’s supporters to continue writing to him, as his friends will read his letters to him. We strongly recommend that people write immediately to Public Safety Minister Steven Blaney urging him to ensure Omar Khadr receives eye surgery quickly. [email protected]
Related:
- Dennis Edney speaking about Omar’s new legal challence, CBC News | Dec 11, 2020 Omar’s ongoing journey toward justice and Canada’s complicity in torture
- Sheila Pratt, Edmonton Journal | Dec 10, 2020 Omar Khadr needs surgery to restore failing eyesight, tutor says
- Michelle Shephard, The Star | Dec 10, 2014 Omar Khadr losing his eyesight, lawyer says.
- Andre Mayer, CBC News | Dec 10, 2020 CIA torture report: Why Canada can’t claim innocence :
However, as Juneau-Katsuya points out, intelligence Canada shared with the CIA led to the torture of a number of Canadians. “That’s exactly what took place with Maher Arar, that’s exactly what took place with Omar Khadr, that’s exactly what took place with tons of other people,” says Juneau-Katsuya, who calls Harper’s stance “a very hypocritical position.”
Address Omar Khadr:
Omar Khadr, Bowden Institution, Unit #3 Highway #2 PO Box 6000 Innisfail, Alberta T4G 1V1, Canada
[+] Dos and don’ts for sending letters to Omar
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