Hunger strike takes dangerous turn: New Democrats

OTTAWA—Security certificate detainee Mohammad Mahjoub, the only person still being held at the Kingston Immigration Holding Centre (KIHC), is on day 182 of a hunger strike. Mahjoub is seeking an independent review of complaints related to detention conditions at the KIHC. Due to his declining health, Mr. Mahjoub requested that he be transferred to a hospital in Kingston, where he is now receiving care.

“This hunger strike has clearly taken a very dangerous turn,” said New Democrat Bill Siksay (Burnaby-Douglas). “Hunger strikes of this type risk serious permanent health consequences and death after 170 days. Hospitalization is not a good sign.”

“Mr. Mahjoub’s demand for an independent process to review complaints about detention is entirely reasonable. In fact, the Correctional Investigator of Canada, Canada’s prison ombudsperson, supported it years ago. And the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration unanimously supported giving the Correctional Investigator jurisdiction over KIHC in a report in 2007. There is no excuse for the government not moving in this direction.”

Siksay called for urgent action by the government. “The Minister of Public Safety and the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration must take immediate and urgent steps to find an end to this hunger strike. Ensuring jurisdiction for the Correctional Investigator at KIHC is the best way to move forward.”

“The government must act now, before there is a tragedy, where a man who has never been charged, tried or convicted of any crime in Canada dies in custody,” said Siksay.