Spy service officer denies threatening Montreal man who was later imprisoned in Sudan
A Canadian Security Intelligence Service official has denied threatening a Montreal man who was later imprisoned and allegedly tortured by authorities in Sudan.
The spy service employee, who can only be identified as Witness C to protect their identity, testified Wednesday in Abousfian Abdelrazik's lawsuit against the federal government.
Abdelrazik claims Canadian officials arranged for his arbitrary imprisonment, encouraged his detention by Sudanese authorities and actively obstructed his repatriation to Canada for several years.
The Sudanese-born Abdelrazik was arrested in September 2003 while in his native country to see his ailing mother.
He was questioned in custody by CSIS officers about suspected extremist links.
During two sessions, with Sudanese officials present, CSIS asked about his activities in Canada, his knowledge of people in Montreal and his association with individuals linked to terrorist activity.
Abdelrazik, 62, says he was also tortured by Sudanese authorities during two periods of detention.
He denies involvement in terrorism.
Federal lawyers argue Canada did not urge Sudan to keep him in detention or mistreat him, or create a risk that these things might happen.
Witness C, who had previously spoken to Abdelrazik in Montreal, travelled to Khartoum with another CSIS official in late October 2003.
In Sudan, Abdelrazik recognized Witness C from their earlier contact in Canada.
In Federal Court on Wednesday, the witness testified in French from a separate location, and their voice was disguised to prevent identification.
Witness C acknowledged telling Abdelrazik in Canada that he should not travel, but characterized that as sincere advice to protect him, rather than a threat.
The witness said they warned Abdelrazik that travelling "could be problematic. And so there was no threat whatsoever when those comments were made."
In the post-9-11 era, intelligence services around the world were sharing information about terrorism suspects, the witness said. "So it was not impossible that Mr. Abdelrazik, while travelling abroad, could attract the attention of other services besides Canada. So these are things that were beyond our control."
During cross-examination, Abdelrazik's lawyer Paul Champ asked if the caution had possibly been worded, "You're planning to travel to Sudan. You'll see what happens."
The witness again denied making such a threat.
"Your information is incorrect. What I recall is that it was a suggestion that I made to him. I suggested to him, if he had the intention to travel, it was not a good idea."
The witness added that while CSIS had indications at the time that Abdelrazik might travel abroad, the spy service did not know if his destination would be Sudan or elsewhere.
In April 2008, Abdelrazik sought refuge at the Canadian Embassy in Khartoum.
He returned to Canada in 2009 after a judge ruled Ottawa breached his constitutional rights by refusing to give him an emergency travel document.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 13, 2024.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
India's 'most wanted terrorist' arrested on gun charges in Canada
One of India's most wanted terrorists has been arrested and charged in connection with a recent alleged shooting in Ontario.
12-year-old boy charged in stabbing of 11-year-old boy at Edmonton McDonald's
The boy stabbed at a north Edmonton McDonald's last Friday is 11 years old.
What makes walking so great for your health and what else you need to do
Medical experts agree that walking is an easy way to improve physical and mental health, bolster fitness and prevent disease. While it’s not the only sort of exercise people should do, it’s a great first step toward a healthy life.
U.S. Congress hosts second round of UFO hearings
The U.S. government held another UFO hearing on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, the second such hearing in 16 months. This hearing was billed as an attempt by congress to provide a better understanding of what is known about previous sightings of UFOs, also known as UAPs (Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena).
Toronto teenager charged with first-degree murder in Kitchener, Ont. homicide
A Toronto teen has been charged as part of an investigation into Kitchener, Ont.’s first homicide of 2024.
B.C. ports to resume operations Thursday, employer says
The federal government has ordered operations at B.C.'s ports to resume Thursday, according to the B.C. Maritime Employers Association.
Dave Coulier, 'Full House' star, has cancer
Dave Coulier, an actor and comedian who found fame as Uncle Joey on "Full House," has revealed he has been diagnosed with stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a blood cancer.
Donald Trump picks Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz to serve as attorney general
President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday said he will nominate Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida to serve as his attorney general, putting a loyalist in the role of the nation's top prosecutor.
Canada bracing for 'tough' talks as Trump's pick calls northern border an 'extreme vulnerability'
The Canadian government is aware it's likely in for 'tough conversations' with U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's administration, after his border czar said there is 'an extreme national security vulnerability' he intends to tackle at the Canada-U.S. border.