Mohamed Harkat, Facing Deportation, Wins Round in Bid to Stay in Canada
Algerian-born Mohamed Harkat has won a round in his long-running legal battle to remain in Canada. In a newly issued ruling, Federal Court Justice John Norris says a 2018 government decision that Harkat should not be allowed to stay is unreasonable. Norris says a key finding—that Harkat was complicit in acts of terrorism committed by Chechen extremists—is not adequately supported by the record or the decision-maker’s reasoning. The judge sent the matter back for redetermination by a new decision-maker. Harkat was arrested in Ottawa in December 2002 on suspicion of being an al-Qaida sleeper agent, and he denies any involvement in terrorism.
TL;DR
- Mohamed Harkat has won a legal battle regarding his right to remain in Canada.
- Federal Court Justice John Norris found a 2018 government decision to deport Harkat unreasonable.
- The judge stated that the finding of Harkat's complicity in terrorism was not adequately supported.
- The case has been sent back for redetermination by a new decision-maker.
- Harkat was arrested in 2002 on suspicion of being an al-Qaida sleeper agent and denies any involvement in terrorism.