More on Omar Khadr’s Trip From Gitmo to Millhaven ….
…. from the various Info-machines.
“The Department of Defense announced today that Omar Ahmed Khadr was transferred from the detention facility at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba to Canada.
Omar Khadr pleaded guilty, pursuant to a pre-trial agreement in a military commission, to murder in violation of the law of war, attempted murder in violation of the law of war, conspiracy, providing material support for terrorism, and spying.
Pursuant to the pre-trial agreement, the convening authority approved an eight-year sentence of confinement. The pre-trial agreement specifies that one year of confinement must be served in the custody and control of the United States, and that Khadr could be transferred to Canada to serve the remainder of his sentence in accordance with Canadian law.
The United States Government has returned Khadr to Canada where he will serve out his remaining sentence. The United States coordinated with the government of Canada regarding appropriate security and humane treatment measures. In accordance with statutory reporting requirements, the administration informed Congress of its intent to transfer Khadr to Canada ….”
From Public Safety Minister Vic Toews’ decision signed yesterday:
“…. In determining whether the Correctional Service of Canada and the Parole Board of Canada can effectively administer Mr. Khadr’s sentence the following issues cause me concern:
- Mr. Khadr idealizes his father, Ahmed Sa’id Khadr, and appears to deny Ahmed Khadr’s lengthy history of terrorist action and association with AI Qaeda.
- Mr. Khadr’s mother and older sister have openly applauded his crimes and terrorist activities.
- Mr. Khadr has had very little contact with Canadian society and therefore will require substantial management in order to ensure safe reintegration into Canada.
- Mr. Khadr has participated in terrorist training, military operations and meetings involving senior AI Qaeda leadership.
- Mr. Khadr’s experiences in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Guantanamo Bay and the degree to which they have radicalized him.
I am satisfied the Correctional Service of Canada and the Parole Board of Canada can administer Mr. Khadr’s sentence in a manner which recognizes the serious nature of the crimes that he has committed, addresses the concerns that l have noted above, and ensures the safety of Canadians is protected through appropriate programming during incarceration, and, if parole is granted, through the imposition of robust conditions of supervision.
Mr. Khadr will serve the balance of his sentence in Canada.”
And from Toews’ statement earlier today:
“Early this morning, convicted terrorist Omar Khadr was transferred to Canadian authorities at CFB Trenton.
This was done pursuant to a decision I made earlier this week.
He arrived at 07:40 ET aboard a U.S. Government aircraft travelling from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
He has been transferred from CFB Trenton to Millhaven maximum security prison at Bath, Ontario.
(….)
The remainder of his prison sentence will be administered by the Correctional Service of Canada.
I am satisfied the Correctional Service of Canada can administer Omar Khadr’s sentence in a manner which recognizes the serious nature of the crimes that he has committed and ensure the safety of Canadians is protected during incarceration.
Any decisions related to his future will be determined by the independent Parole Board of Canada in accordance with Canadian law ….”
Screen captures of all of the above statements in full also available here (Google Docs) for posterity.
