Omar Khadr: New Developments

The journey takes a turn
Rahman Mohamed

Before and after returning to Canada from Guantanamo Bay in 2012 Omar Khadr has faced many trials.  Another has begun.

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Omar Khadr: A Journey To be Understood

Innocent or guilty; not yet truly known
Rahman Mohamed

Omar Khadr.  After spending time at Millhaven prison in Ontario, he was moved to a maximum security federal institution in Edmonton in May 2013.  While there he’s been studying – Shakespeare and Grade 11 algebra.  Not only that, but he’s an honour student, scoring 87 on a social exam.  The Edmonton Journal (2014) reported that Will Van Arragon, history professor at King’s University College, said Khadr was “particularly interested” in Alberta’s Grade 11 curriculum, which includes nationalism, international affairs, two World Wars and the United Nations”.  While in Guantanamo he was being educated from Canada by mail by Arlette Zinck, another professor at King’s.  According to the Winnipeg Free Press she says “I believe in restorative justice … There is no other kind.

He’s filing a $20 million lawsuit against the Canadian government for violation of Charter rights, the ruling expected this year, 2014.  On December 13, 2013 CTV posted an article from Colin Perkel of the Canadian Press reporting that Omar Khadr pled guilty because he was “left with a hopeless choice.

Why was he left with a hopeless choice?

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The POW (Prisoner of War)

Rahman Mohamed

After the combat of war, there are the victors and the vanquished.  In the hands of the victors, from the vanquished, are the Prisoners of War.  According to International Humanitarian Law prisoners of war also have rights.

Before they can be given rights, prisoners of war must first be defined.

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