It has been almost 13 years since Omar Khadr was captured and imprisoned by American soldiers, and on Friday he has finally been given a small taste of freedom.
Omar Khadr (Photo Credit: Free Omar Now)
Khadr was granted bail on Friday by Justice June Ross, after she found that he had a constitutional right to apply for bail, pending his appeal. Toronto-born Khadr was just 15 years old when he was charged with five war crimes; he is now 28. He is currently serving the eight year sentence handed down to him in 2010 in a medium security prison in Innisfail, Alberta. He pleaded guilty to the offences on October 24th, 2010 including murder, attempted murder, conspiracy, and spying.
In September 2012 he was transferred to Canada to serve his sentence, while he waits for his appeal to move through the legal system.
“I conclude that the right to seek bail pending appeal is a principle of fundamental justice,” said Justice Ross in her decision. “When an applicant’s liberty is at stake, as in this case, the right to seek bail pending appeal is guaranteed under section 7 of the Charter.”
Omar Khadr (Photo Credit: Free Omar Now)
Ross said that Khadr has been a model prisoner for the past 12 and a half years and that he is a low risk to public safety. The judge goes on to say that even though Khadr pleaded guilty to the charges, he has strong basis for his appeal and the application for judicial interim release should be granted.
The terms of his release will be released on May 5th, 2015 as any remaining issues are addressed.
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