Mourad Ikhlef
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Mourad Ikhlef arrived to Canada in 1993, and gained refugee status in 1994. Based on allegations of past involvement with the Armed Islamic Group (GIA) of his native Algeria, as well as a connection to Ahmed Ressam a security certificate was issued in 2001, and on December 12 he was arrested in his home city of Montreal. He was deported to Algeria on February 28, 2003. The removal was carried out by Canadian immigration officials, in a private plane due to the perceived security concerns. [1] Upon arrival Ikhlef was transferred to the control of Algerian military police, the DRS, and immediately put in detention. He was held for 10 days, during which time his family was unable to obtain his whereabouts. On March 10 he was taken to court to face three separate charges, but was denied legal counsel. While acquitted on one count he was sentenced to 7 years, in 2005, based on "membership in a terrorist group." The evidence for this charge was believed to have been based on statements made by the accused while under duress. Ikhlef was released from prison on March 26, 2006 as part of a national reconciliation program, the controversial Charter for Peace and National Reconciliation, but re-arrested one week later by DRS officials.[2]
