“We’ve done it,” said Lawyer Dennis Edney.
On Thursday, former Guantanamo Bay prisoner Omar Khadr was released on bail despite the federal government’s attempt to keep the man behind bars.
Omar Khadr. (Photo Credit: Free Omar Now.)
The Alberta Court of Appeal Justice Myra Bielby granted the 28-year-old bail and lawyer Dennis Edney is ecstatic with the court’s decision.
“Today is a wonderful day for justice,” said Edney.
Questioning the federal government’s motives, Edney was quick to call on Canada as having failed a young boy in his time of need.
“We left a Canadian child in Guantanamo Bay to suffer torture,” said Edney.
Why do we spend millions of dollars rehabilitating child soldiers elsewhere in the world, but we won’t help our own? continued Edney.
Having lived under the ramifications of a negative image in the public eye, Khadr’s lawyer said that he is happy Khadr will now have his chance to address Canadians.
Dealing with a number of psychological issues, Edney said it will be a long road to recovery for Khadr but that the two are hopeful.
“Justice doesn’t come quickly at times, but it does come, so long as you don’t give up,” added Edney.
Khadr is expected to address the public in the coming days.
Edney will take the now 28-year-old man home shortly where he will begin his integration back into Canadian society while awaiting appeal.
The Conservative government is disappointed with the court's decision.
"We regret that a convicted terrorist has been allowed back into Canadian society without having served his full sentence," said Minister Steven Blaney on Twitter. "We are disappointed with the decision. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Sgt Christopher Speer during this difficult time."
Having been charged for multiple war crimes when he was only 15 years old, Khadr has sat in prison for more than half his life.
He pleaded guilty to multiple offences on October 24th, 2010 including murder, attempted murder, conspiracy, and spying. In September 2012, he was transferred to Canada to serve an eight year sentence.
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