Is Abdelrazik Really Free?

Thanks to the G&M’s Paul Koring we keep learning more about the case of Abdelrazik, the Canadian citizen who was arrested in Sudan at the request of CSIS, interrogated, tortured and eventually returned home after his supporters successfully campaigned for his return.

We now learn that he is not allowed to fly (even on domestic flights), and is prevented from working (or, at least employers are unable to hire him because of fear they would be charged criminally).  The latest revelations is that his bank account has been frozen.

What is ironic about this case is that both CSIS and the RCMP admitted that they have no case against him. Yet he is being treated much worse than an actual convicted criminal.

During my stay in Syria, I learned that people who have been “convicted” of a political-related offense will have many of their few civil rights abolished after they leave prison. In particular, the  Syrian government officially imposes restrictions on their movements, and does not allow them to have government jobs.

This leads me to wonder which conditions are harsher, the ones imposed by the Syrian government on the “guilty” or those imposed by Canadian authorities to some of those who are by all admissions (CSIS and RCMP) innocent?