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P E T I T I O N - End solitary confinement and respect the rights of detainees

17-nov-07

End solitary confinement. Respect the rights of detainees.

Read Petition here: http://www.gopetition.com/online/15315.html

On November 8, 2007, the Toronto Star published an article by Thomas Walkom that exposed the conditions in which several men have been detained at the Don Jail in Toronto. 

Fahim Ahmad, Zakaria Amara  and Mohammed Dirie are part of the so-called “Toronto 18” - a group of Muslim men and boys who were arrested in June 2006 and accused of terror-related activity. These three men have been held in solitary confinement for 17 months, in cells that measure 4 X 6 X 10 feet. 

According to a study by the Correctional Services of Canada, enforced segregation for 60 days is “the most individually destructive, psychologically crippling and socially alienating experience that could conceivably exist within the borders of the country.” In addition, the study notes that solitary confinement often leads to the development of psychosis (auditory and visual hallucinations and delusions), self-harm and suicide in detainees.

Prisoner advocates argue that 60 days is the maximum length of time that anyone should be held in solitary confinement. These three men have been held in solitary confinement for over 500 days, nearly nine times more than what is considered safe.

Despite the hysteria that surrounds their cases, these men remain innocent until proven guilty. Accordingly, the conditions of their detention must meet the minimum standards provided to other detainees: regular access to meals, education, exercise outside their cells and social activity. The conditions of their detention must not be used as punishment for crimes for which they have not been convicted.

As Canadian citizens, these men have the right not to be subjected to any cruel and unusual treatment or punishment, as guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Their current conditions of detention are a violation of this right and of existing legislation that prevents cruel and unusual punishment in Canada.

Therefore, we demand that Fahim Ahmad, Zakaria Amara and Mohammed Dirie:

o Be released immediately from solitary confinement;
o Be guaranteed conditions of detention that meet the minimum standards provided to other detainees;
o Be guaranteed their constitutional rights through the establishment of safeguards by the appropriate authorities.

SIGN PETITION http://www.gopetition.com/online/15315.html

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November 17th, 2007 News, Opinions | 6 comments | Email it! | Print This Post Print This Post | 696 views

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6 Comments »

  1. Assalama Aleikum brothers and sisters .I am Zakarias mom and I would like to make some comments.Here were and we are talking about human rights and freedom and we know that segregation for 60 days is the most destructive experience .At the same time we have my son Zakaria Fahim and Ali in solidary confinement more than 500 Days.What Kind of justice and in which category of the human Rights we can find the 500 days.Justice in theory but not in practice…….We would like immediadly release from the solidary confinement Zakaria Amara Fahim Ahmad mohammad Dirie.and provide to them the same conditions us the other Detainees.Please we want some one to hear us and solve this issue immediadly because they are humans.

    Comment by Helen | November 17, 2007

  2. the “contact us” link doesn’t appear to be working.

    Comment by Kevin Saliba | November 18, 2007

  3. Asalamu Alaikum.

    I am thankful to all the people who have signed the petition. May justice, understanding, and enlightment previal.

    Comment by Ramzi A. | November 22, 2007

  4. thanks. “contact us” is now working.

    Comment by admin | November 22, 2007

  5. I would like that all those who beleive in freedome, human rights and justice sign the petition to help breaking out the darkness made intentionally around accused innocent youngs .
    For the benifit of the inocents please forward this petition to least 10 people of your friends or family members
    Thank you very much for every effort.

    Comment by juma amara | November 23, 2007

  6. I would like that all those who beleive in freedome, human rights and justice sign the petition to help breaking out the darkness made intentionally around accused innocent youngs .
    For the benifit of the inocents please forward this petition to least 10 people of your friends or family members
    Thank you very much for every effort.

    Comment by JMAAA AMARA | November 23, 2007

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