Ottawa seeks to gag Afghan prisoner probe witnesses

[CHIMO]

Source: THE CANADIAN PRESS

OTTAWA–Federal lawyers are trying to block government witnesses from testifying before a military watchdog investigating the treatment of Taliban prisoners in Afghanistan, The Canadian Press has learned.

The Justice Department has invoked national security and told the Military Police Complaints Commission that subpoenaed witnesses will be allowed to appear at the inquiry, but they will be instructed to say nothing when hearings begin next month.

The position was laid out during a meeting among inquiry lawyers on Sept. 25, said the commission's lead attorney, Freya Kristjanson.

Critics say it is the latest attempt by the Conservative government to shut down the investigation into claims by human rights groups that the Canadian army knowingly handed over insurgents to torture in Afghan prisons.


Read more: http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/702760#

[tomm2thumbs]

1. but there's absolutely nothing to hide. nothing bad was ever done. cheney said so.

[saigon68]

2. Disgusting

[IndianaGreen]

3. UPDATE: Torture probe delayed; Tories deny gagging witness

Torture probe delayed; Tories deny gagging witness

Oct 01, 2009 07:52 PM
Murray Brewster
THE CANADIAN PRESS

OTTAWA–A public hearing into what the Canadian army may have known about the alleged torture of Taliban prisoners in Kandahar, has been postponed amid accusations of government obstruction.

The Military Police Complaints Commission has been overwhelmed with motions filed by federal government lawyers and has decided to delay the opening of the inquiry, slated for Monday, until Wednesday.

The delay came as the Conservative government faced more accusations that it's trying to obstruct the investigation into allegations that Canada allowed the transfer of prisoners to Afghan jails, even though torture was considered commonplace.

Defence Minister Peter MacKay denied Thursday in the House of Commons that federal lawyers are trying to block the testimony of a key witness, diplomat Richard Colvin.

As former political director of the Kandahar provincial reconstruction base, Colvin – through his lawyer – has said he has information relevant to the commission's investigation. But federal lawyers have tried to get him stricken from the list of witnesses.

MacKay suggested the diplomat would have nothing to add to the investigation. But a letter, obtained by The Canadian Press, shows the Defence and Justice departments have no idea what evidence Colvin might possess.

The letter, written Sept. 30 and signed by lead Crown lawyer Alain Prefontaine, said the diplomat's claims that he has knowledge of what military police knew about the alleged torture of prisoners ``require clarification."

http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/704155