OTTAWA - The Green Party of Canada expresses deep disappointment with the Government of Canada’s inadequate response to Petition e-4901, which seeks to address the ongoing injustices faced by Dr. Hassan Diab and his family. The government's statement, which merely reiterates the confidentiality of extradition requests, fails to provide the meaningful response that Canadians deserve.
Dr. Diab, now 70 years old, was wrongfully extradited to France on November 14, 2014, under a case described by extradition Judge Maranger as “weak” with “the prospects of conviction in the context of a fair trial seem unlikely.” Dr. Diab spent over three years in a Paris prison, much of it in solitary confinement, without ever being formally charged or tried. Two senior anti-terrorist investigating judges concluded in January 2018 that there was no evidence to justify a trial, leading to Dr. Diab’s release and return to Canada.
However, in a grave miscarriage of justice, a French appeal led to a summary trial in April 2023, during which Dr. Diab was convicted in absentia and sentenced to life imprisonment based on hearsay and secret, anonymous intelligence. Strong alibi and other exculpatory evidence was disregarded by the court.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated in June 2018 that “what happened to Hassan Diab should never have happened” and assured that such an ordeal should never occur again. The Green Party of Canada calls upon the Government of Canada to uphold this commitment and formally declare that Canada will neither accept nor agree to any second request for the extradition of Dr. Hassan Diab.
“Dr. Diab has been living under a perpetual state of uncertainty, a limbo that has taken a severe toll on him and his loved ones,” said Leader Elizabeth May. “The government’s response does nothing to address this, nor does it offer any assurance that Dr. Diab will be protected from further unjust actions.”
The Green Party calls for a more substantive and compassionate approach from the Government of Canada—one that actively seeks to end this prolonged state of limbo. Dr. Diab and his family deserve to live without the constant fear of another wrongful extradition, and it is incumbent upon the government to ensure that their rights and freedoms are fully upheld.
The case of Dr. Hassan Diab is a stark reminder of the critical importance of protecting the rights and freedoms of Canadian citizens. The Green Party of Canada stands firm in its opposition to any further attempts to extradite Dr. Diab and urges the Government of Canada to take a decisive stance against this ongoing injustice.
We urge the government to take decisive action to protect Dr. Diab and to provide a clear and just resolution to this case.
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For more information or to arrange an interview :
Fabrice Lachance Nové
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