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
Families of Paul Bernardo's victims not allowed to attend parole hearing in person, lawyer says
The families of the victims of Paul Bernardo have been barred from attending the serial killer’s upcoming parole hearing in person, according to the lawyer representing the loved ones of Kristen French and Leslie Mahaffy.
'Bomb cyclone' batters B.C. coast with hurricane-force winds, downing trees onto roads and vehicles
Massive trees toppled onto roads, power lines and parked cars as hurricane-force winds battered the B.C. coast overnight during an intense “bomb cyclone” weather event.
'I'm sure Randy can answer': Liberal MPs defer to Boissonnault, PM Trudeau amid resignation calls
As the Indigenous claims controversy surrounding Randy Boissonnault continues to unfold, his colleagues are deferring questions about the embattled cabinet minister to him, and the prime minister.
'They squandered 10 years of opportunity': Canada Post strike exposes longtime problems, expert says
Canada Post is at ‘death's door’ and won't survive if it doesn't dramatically transform its business, a professor who has studied the Crown corporation is warning as the postal workers' national strike drags on.
BREAKING Canada closes embassy in Ukraine after U.S. receives information on 'potential significant air attack'
The Embassy of Canada to Ukraine, located in Kyiv, has temporarily suspended in-person services after U.S. officials there warned they'd received information about a 'potential significant air attack,' cautioning citizens to shelter in place if they hear an air alert.
Susan Smith to ask parole board for her freedom after serving 30 years for drowning her children
Susan Smith, the South Carolina mother convicted of killing her two sons by rolling her car into a lake in 1994 with the boys strapped in their seats inside, will ask a parole board for her freedom on Wednesday.
Leon's, The Brick under investigation for alleged 'deceptive marketing'
Popular furniture and appliance retailers Leon's Furniture Limited and its subsidiary, The Brick Warehouse LP, are under investigation for alleged 'deceptive marketing.'
Burlington, Ont. woman accused of accepting money for fake Taylor Swift tickets
As Taylor Swift is set to perform her final three sold-out shows at the Rogers Centre this week, many people who have fallen victim to an alleged ticket scam are trying to find answers to what happened.
Calgary gorilla died after being hit by a door: officials
The Calgary Zoo says its two-year-old western lowland gorilla named Eyare died after being hit by a hydraulic door at the rear of the exhibit.