Sidhartha Banerjee, THE CANADIAN PRESS, 14 October 2009
MONTREAL - Adil Charkaoui spent more than six years under suspicion of being a terrorist operative, spent 21 months in jail, had his movements tracked with an electronic bracelet, and missed the birth of his son.
Now he wants the federal government to pay.
After a Federal Court judge ruled his security certificate null and void Wednesday, the Montreal man said he'll be seeking reparations for the years he spent trying to clear his name.
In the meantime, the Moroccan native said he simply wanted to celebrate.
"Finally, after six and a half years, I can enjoy not only freedom, but justice," he told a news conference.
"We'll be organizing a huge party and everyone will be invited."
Charkaoui, a married father of three who has steadfastly denied any links to terrorists, said he's elated by Wednesday's judgment.
Federal Court Justice Daniele Tremblay-Lamer wrote that the certificate must be quashed and that Ottawa has no right to appeal.
Tremblay-Lamer said the notion of national security is a question of perspective and that grey zones can exist.