|
 Canadian
believed to be among 41 terror suspects
April 11, 2007
Debra Black
Staff Reporter
It appears a former Toronto resident will remain in detention in
Ethiopia – even though the government there has begun to release
"suspected international terrorists" it has in custody.
Bashir Makhtal, a Canadian citizen, is believed to be one of 41
foreign nationals from 17 countries detained in Ethiopia.
Yesterday, for the first time, the Ethiopian government acknowledged
it had these prisoners or what it describes as "suspected
international terrorists" in custody and that it had allowed
"foreign investigators" to question them.
So far, no list of prisoners has been issued, nor has the Ethiopian
government officially recognized Makhtal as a prisoner. Human rights
sources in Kenya and Britain told the Star it is unlikely Makhtal
will be released.
More likely, he will remain detained and face a "show" trial in
Addis Ababa, the sources said.
Toronto lawyer Lorne Waldman, who was hired by Makhtal's family to
help free him, believes it's critical his detention be recognized by
Ethiopia.
"The pressure is beginning to be felt and the Ethiopian government
is going to have to acknowledge they have Bashir," said Waldman.
Twenty-nine of the suspects in Ethiopian custody were ordered
released by a military court, according to Ethiopia's ministry of
foreign affairs.
But 12 other detainees will remain in custody. They will appear in
court Friday.
Canadian officials have confirmed Makhtal is in Ethiopian custody
and have made an official request for consular access.
Makhtal was arrested in December as he tried to enter Kenya to
escape the civil war in Somalia.
He was later deported to Somalia and then to Ethiopia.
He came to Canada as a refugee and lived here for 10 years before
moving to Kenya, getting married and starting a business.
At the time of his arrest it was alleged he had ties to the Ogaden
National Liberation Front, a group fighting for the independence of
ethnic Somalis in eastern Ethiopia. Makhtal's family denies he has
ties to the group.
With files from Associated Press
Source: Toronto Star
|
Do all the
good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you
can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to
all the people you can, as long as ever you can.
by John
Wesley |
|
