Hassan Almrei has been imprisoned in a Toronto jail since October 2001, without charge, on Canada's secretive "security certificate". On August 31 he was on Day 70 of a hunger strike protesting conditions of his solitary confinement.
CKLN 88.1fm, Toronto
Under Canadian immigration law, non-citizens can be imprisoned and deported on allegations of being a threat to national security -- without ever facing a criminal charge or even seeing the evidence against them. Five Muslim men are now fighting deportation from Canada. They claim complete innocence and challenge the Canadian authorities to show their case.
Hassan Almrei, facing deportation to Syria, has been jailed at Toronto's Metro West Detention Centre since October 2001. On August 31, 2005, he was on the 70th day of a hunger strike, demanding one hour of exercise per day and access to television and radio in his cell.
He spoke with CKLN radio in a rare live interview.
His hunger strike has inspired vigils and rallies across Canada. For more information, go to
www.homesnotbombs.ca or call the Campaign to Stop Secret Trials in Canada at 416.651.5800.