The Arar Inquiry – August 30, 2005 (Part 1 of 6)

The Commission of Inquiry into the Actions of Canadian Officials in Relation to Maher Arar

Witness: Léo Martel

Commission Counsel Paul J. J. Cavalluzzo conducts direct examination of Léo Martel (former Canadian consul in Damascus, Syria), who visited Mr. Arar eight times during Mr. Arar’s detention in Syria in 2002 and 2003. Mr. Martel is asked about the nature of his posting in Syria, his knowledge of Syria’s human rights record, and the lack of training in the recognition of signs of torture.