Quote:
Originally Posted by Porsche_monkey
That has yet to be proven. While it initially appeared clear-cut, there is more and more doubt about the events.
I have no problem with giving him a military trial, but get it done.
Detaining anyone for that period of time without a trial or due process is nothing to be proud of.
Nor should the Canadian government feel any pride in their selective defense of citizens rights.
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It's touchy. Half the people I talk with bemoan the fact that he was 15 years old, brainwashed by his family, was a "child soldier" etc
On the other hand, the whole Khadre family is so outspokenly loathsome that I can't sympathize at all. Some of the family members have publicly praised the 9/11 hijackers. I assume this has influenced the Canadian government's inaction.
FWIW, it's not clear-cut that Omar threw that grenade. At least one soldier stated that it was someone else.
Tons & tons of info here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omar_Khadr
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khadr_family
My gut says that even if he is a loathsome murderer terrorist, he was a child soldier when it occurred. After years in detention though, hard to imagine any rehabilitation (like in Sierra Leone, Rwanda etc) could be beneficial
EDIT: One thing that comes to mind every single time this pops up in the media (which is a lot): Here's the single survivor of the raid where soldiers were injured and killed (a medic, no less) and yet they saved this kid's life. I know a lot of people think he should have been killed, or at least left to die, but the fact that they treated him speaks to the professionalism of the soldiers on the ground. Can't imagine that would have been easy. I don't think that's pointed out nearly enough.