Omar Khadr Bids for Repatriation

The Canadian Embassy has said it would be inclined to consider the request favourably.

25-year-old Canadian citizen Omar Khadr has officially began the process to return to Canada. Khadr’s lawyers filed a request for transfer to see if he can finish his eight-year sentence here, subject to Canadian laws. The process for repatriation is long and arduous, as it requires the approval of both Canadian and American officials as well as Canada’s Public Safety Minister Vic Toews. It is expected to take about 18 months. As part of the conditions of his plea deal, Khadr will not fly over American soil and will not be able to profit from his story. According to his lawyers, he will also not live with his family, who supported Al Qaeda, when he returns to Canada. Khadr, the youngest person ever held at Guantanemo, pled guilty last October to five charges including the murder of Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Speer.

Image courtesy of Reuters