If only they were.
Bruce Security agencies target Muslims with aggressive tactics, group claims@ By Jim Bronskill@ OTTAWA (CP) _ Federal security agencies use unacceptable intimidation tactics during investigations, from visits at work to threats of arrest under the anti-terror law, says a group representing Muslims. The Canadian Council on American-Islamic Relations accused the RCMP and Canadian Security Intelligence Service of aggressive behaviour, intrusive questioning and discouraging interviewees from having a lawyer present. The Mounties and CSIS insisted Wednesday they respect the rights of minorities. A survey released by the council revealed that of the 467 people who responded, eight per cent _ most of them young, Arab males _ said they had been visited by either the RCMP or CSIS since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Almost half who had received calls said it made them feel fearful, anxious and nervous, while about one-quarter said they felt harassed and discriminated against. "It's safe to say that the overall consequence has been one of alienation, loss of trust in our security agencies and civic cynicism," said Riad Saloojee, the council's executive director. "The results are quite alarming." The council wants Public Safety Minister Anne McLellan and Justice Minister Irwin Cotler to investigate. The responses were gathered through the council's Internet site as well as the distribution of surveys at mosques and Muslim events. Morshed Abul Ala, a website developer and part-time student in Mississauga, Ont., said RCMP national security investigators pressured him in March 2002 to attend a meeting even though he had an exam. When Abul Ala refused, the Mounties repeatedly called his cell phone during the exam, he told a news conference Wednesday. Abul Ala, 25, said that when he did meet the RCMP, he asked what would happen if he didn't speak with them. He says the police replied that the Anti-Terrorism Act could be used to force him to co-operate. "I'm from Bangladesh where, when security agents come to you, it's something serious," he said. "At the end, I felt like my rights had been violated because when I asked for a lawyer they told me, `You don't need one.'" Abul Ala said the RCMP tried to recruit him as a paid informant, an offer he rejected. The council's report says some respondents were asked by security agents "in an intimidating manner" to gather information on others. "For example, one respondent reported that when he refused to become an informant, the security official then abruptly ended the interview and proceeded to recite the names of the respondent's children and several other pieces of personal information." One person said he was 16 years old when questioned by CSIS officers, who told him not to let his parents know. Others reported being asked about topics such as their loyalty to Canada, why they owned extensive property, their interest in martial arts and their level of commitment to Islam. The report says Canadian Muslims "share the common objective" of ensuring Canada remains safe and secure. However, they believe security can be attained only by treating people with dignity, free of harassment or discrimination, the report adds. Alex Swann, a spokesman for McLellan, said she has asked her officials to review the report. "All federal security agencies must work within the law," he said, adding that people can complain to the review agencies that oversee CSIS and the RCMP. Saloojee said many people were too afraid to lodge a protest. "Documenting these reports has been extremely difficult. It has been, quite frankly, like pulling teeth," he said. "People are very concerned, very scared, very anxious, very insecure about coming forward." Barbara Campion, a CSIS spokeswoman, said she had heard such allegations of reluctance in the past. "I haven't seen anything to back them up, and the service as a whole hasn't seen anything to back them up." CSIS policy requires officers to tell interviewees that their participation is strictly voluntary. Officers also must take into consideration religious beliefs, and human rights and privacy concerns. "We don't threaten people," Campion said. Cpl. Monique Beauchamp, an RCMP spokeswoman, said the force is committed to respecting all people. The Mounties are reviewing the report, she added. Cotler noted the government is examining the broad question of race-based issues and justice. "I will not brook any discriminatory treatment in matters of law and the administration of justice in this country." The government recently set up a roundtable on cultural issues and national security. Saloojee said it is too early to gauge its usefulness. 050608 215113 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> DonorsChoose. A simple way to provide underprivileged children resources often lacking in public schools. 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