January 02, 2009, Michelle Shephard, Toronto Star
The last remaining terrorism suspect (sic) who has been held for seven years under a "national security certificate" has been ordered released from detention.
Federal court Justice Richard Mosley ruled Friday that there is no evidence that Syrian Hassan Almrei "poses a threat to the safety of any individual" and should be released under strict conditions.
"I am satisfied that any risk that he might pose to national security or of absconding can be neutralized by conditions," Mosley wrote in his 100-page ruling.
Conditions for his release will likely include 24-hour monitoring by agents with the Canada Border Services Agency, wearing a GPS monitoring bracelet and a ban on any use of cellphones or computers.
"Hassan was very, very happy – very pleased," said his lawyer Lorne Waldman after speaking with Almrei by phone. "Personally, I'm delighted. Holding someone in Canada without charge, without trial, is a very serious matter and I'm relieved that this detention will end soon."
