The Arar Inquiry – August 31, 2005 (Part 4 of 5)

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

Witness: Léo Martel

Marlys Edwardh (Counsel for Mr. Arar) concludes cross-examination of Léo Martel (former Canadian Consul in Damascus, Syria), who visited Mr. Arar eight times during Mr. Arar’s detention in Syria. Discussion focuses on the provision of consular services to Mr. Arar, the omission of details of prison conditions in Mr. Martel’s reports, and Mr. Arar’s release and return to Canada. Barbara Jackman (Counsel for Ahmed El Maati) conducts a brief cross-examination.