Terrorism suspect Mohamed Harkat a ‘passive actor,’ his lawyer tells judge

By Jim Bronskill, The Canadian Press on December 3, 2024.

Security certificate detainee Mohamed Harkat arrives at the Supreme Court of Canada in Ottawa on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

A lawyer for terrorism suspect Mohamed Harkat told a judge today the Algerian-born refugee is a “passive actor” who has been linked to extremists through speculation, not hard evidence.

Harkat, 56, was arrested in Ottawa in December 2002 on suspicion of being an al-Qaida sleeper agent.

He denies any involvement in terrorism.

The federal government is trying to deport the former gas-station attendant using a security certificate – a legal tool for removing non-citizens suspected of ties to extremism or espionage.

Lawyer Barbara Jackman, who represents Harkat, is appearing in Federal Court in Toronto today to challenge a 2018 federal opinion that he should not be allowed to remain in Canada.

Harkat argues he faces a risk of torture if returned to Algeria.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 3, 2024.