Harper gets heat from U.K. on Khadr
British legal experts take government to task for violating international laws protecting children The heads of the five legal organizations sent a letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper saying he must take "urgent action" in securing Khadr's release and criticizing Canada for violating international laws that protect juveniles.
"The lengthy detention, and putting on trial for war crimes, of someone who appears to be a `child soldier' is contrary to the special protection to which Khadr is entitled," the letter stated. "We regret to see Canada appearing to be complicit in such breaches of fundamental international standards of conduct in relation to children."
Khadr was 15 when he was captured in Afghanistan on July 27, 2002, following a firefight with U.S. forces. The Pentagon has charged him with murder in violation of the laws of war for allegedly throwing a grenade that fatally wounded army Delta Force Sgt. Christopher Speer. He also faces charges of attempted murder, conspiracy, providing material support for terrorism and spying. He is expected to go to trial sometime next year.
Now 21, Toronto-born Khadr remains the only Western detainee at the U.S. naval facility in Cuba and one of the first who would be tried before modern-day war tribunals. British detainees were repatriated due to their government's efforts by 2005. Intense lobbying by Prime Minister Gordon Brown's government has also secured the release of British residents, three of whom returned home Wednesday after almost six years in custody.
"We do not believe that Canada, a Commonwealth partner, should remain silent while the U.S. subjects its citizen to such a process. Every other ally of the United States, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Australia, has acted to protect their citizens detained at Guantanamo Bay," stated the letter to Harper.
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http://www.thestar.com/article/287678 
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