MCM CALLS ON GOVERNMENT TO TREAT MR. JAZIRI WITH JUSTICE

October 19, 2007

Montreal, Quebec, Oct. 19th, 2007- The Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM) expressed its concern over the case of Mr. Said Jaziri. Mr. Jaziri was arrested by Immigration Canada on October 15th and is to be deported to his native Tunisia.

 

"As Canadians we have a high regard for our laws and respect for our justice system," said Salam Elmenyawi, president of MCM. "We hope Mr. Jaziri will be treated fairly and in a transparent manner, especially in light of the controversies surrounding his case. We call on the Canadian government to ensure his rights for a fair trial, due process and natural justice, and that his fundamental human rights are upheld at all costs."

MCM hopes that the order for deportation is not motivated by political factors. They also ask the Immigration officials to take into consideration the fact that if deported, Mr. Jaziri will be forced to leave behind his pregnant wife. Furthermore, MCM calls on the Canadian government to ensure that any person deported from Canada is not sent to a country where they are likely to face torture or abuse.

 

MCM asks the media to exercise caution in the handling of Mr. Jaziri's case, and to keep in mind that Mr. Jaziri's detention is related only to his immigration case in Canada.

 

The Canadian Arab Federation (CAF) and number of Islamic organisations are in support of this statement.