Leave inquiry alone as it seeks truth

You should know that David Harris is a former chief of strategic planning for CSIS. I kid you not. His views are pro-US and pro-Israel and although his organisation is for human rights don't expect him to complain about violation of rights of terror suspects or security certificates. He thinks that the US should and will bomb Iran:

When the United States strikes Iran -- as it will -- the result will be a disaster, but a disaster that cannot be avoided.

His whole opinion piece is at the Ottawa Citizen.

Notice that Harris is quite content that the three Muslim Canadian men do not get to see any of the evidence against them. Their lawyers are barred from any of the interrogations and have had no summaries or even lists of participants. The inquiry was not even going to interrogate Zaccardelli or Cabana two key figures. Notice Harris' contempt for Amnesty International an organisation that actually works for human rights not for CSIS.


Leave inquiry alone as it seeks the truth

Oct 13, 2007 04:30 AM


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Inquiry urged to shed secrecy
Oct. 10



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Former Supreme Court justice Frank Iacobucci's internal inquiry must get to the truth about alleged mistreatment abroad of three Muslim men, and it must do so while safeguarding valuable security secrets from our foreign and internal enemies.
The Canadian Coalition for Democracies, a human rights organization and intervener in the Iacobucci inquiry, is satisfied that Commissioner Iacobucci is making reasonable, responsible progress in his methodical examination of evidence. His inquiry operates according to rules that all participants and intervening organizations were invited to comment upon.

It is therefore disappointing that Amnesty International and a group of companion interveners are orchestrating press conferences and publicity spectacles intended to pressure Iacobucci into changing course. It is hoped that this disruptive effort is not aimed at turning the mandate of an efficient internal inquiry into a publicity-generating, secrets-spilling exercise of a sort common to Ottawa and enamoured of legalists and NGO fundraisers.

With an international budget of tens of millions of dollars, Amnesty International's powerful and politicized voice risks drowning out average Canadians' efforts to secure a workable balance between our liberties and our safety.

Such organizations should desist for the moment, and let the independent inquiry do its work conscientiously and without further disruption.

Should issues be unresolved when the commissioner reports early next year, Canadians will always be free to call upon government or courts for further review.



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David B. Harris,
Counsel to Canadian Coalition for Democracies

Keep out those Chinese communist commerce ministers!

This is an old post from Global Politician Global Politician seems to copy all of the stuff from Canadian Coalition for Democracies. Harris represents this group at the Iacobucci inquiry. I posted his very complimentary article about Iacobucci's ruling that the inquiry should be held in secret. Harris shows little concern for the rights of the three Muslim's involved to clear their name. He shows little concern for Guantanamo as far as I can discern. He is rabidly pro-Israel and anti- Syria, Iran, and China too it seems. As trade between China and Canada increases even Harper is not likely to heed Harris' advice. Harris used to work as a strategist for CSIS! Harris supports a US attack against Iran and has an article outlining the reasons why Iran should be attacked and Canada should support the attack. Harris does not give any sources for his accusations against Bo Xilai.


Visit To Canada By China's Commerce Minister Bo Xilai
David Harris - 5/28/2007
Ottawa, Canada - The Canadian Coalition for Democracies (CCD) is concerned about the entry into Canada of China's Commerce Minister, Bo Xilai on Monday May 28th, 2007. There are serious allegations about Bo Xilai regarding torture and crimes against humanity. These concerns have been brought to the attention of Canadian government officials, the RCMP and the Department of Justice's Interdepartmental Operations Group of Canada’s Crimes Against Humanity & War Crimes Program.

As a global leader and supporter of international law, including laws dealing with crimes against humanity and torture, Canada has an important role to play in ensuring that those credibly accused of such crimes be brought before the appropriate legal bodies to face justice.

CCD notes that Prime Minister Harper has acted with conviction and compassion when it comes to respecting human rights.

We trust that the Prime Minister will maintain his record by keeping Bo Xilai out of Canada, and by supporting the efforts of victims and their family members, together with those of reputable human rights organizations, to see that justice is done.

David Harris is the Senior Fellow for National Security at the Canadian Coalition for Democracies.