Maher Arar, the dual Canadian-Syrian citizen who spent a year in a Syrian jail, reportedly told Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham that he was tortured while in Syrian custody.
Mr. Arar and his wife had a private meeting with Mr. Graham on Wednesday, where CBC Newsworld reported that he provided details of his alleged torture.
But Thursday afternoon, Mr. Graham refused to confirm or deny any element of what he discussed with Mr. Arar.
“My undertaking to him was that I would keep the results of that meeting confidential to allow him to go public with his situation when he deems it appropriate.
“I don't know exactly when that will be, I understand it will be shortly. I am respecting that engagement.”
Wednesday's meeting was the first time that Mr. Arar has spoken to the federal government about his alleged torture, but allegations that he was tortured have swirled since his release earlier this month.
Mr. Arar was returning to Canada from Tunisia in September, 2003 when he was detained at Kennedy Airport in New York. The United States deported him to Syria, where he spent a year in jail before being unexpectedly released. He was never charged with any crime.
Since his return to Canada, Mr. Arar has said nothing publicly about his treatment.
In his meeting with Mr. Graham, Mr. Arar also thanked Canadians for helping to aid his release, Newsworld said.
But he also asked Mr. Graham to call on the RCMP to help track down the source of leaks that suggested that while in custody, Mr. Arar gave Syrian officials information about the al-Qaeda terrorist network in Canada. Reports last week had quoted federal officials as saying that Mr. Arar, 33, had offered detailed information on people suspected of terrorist links.
But his family has always maintained Mr. Arar had nothing to do with the al-Qaeda terrorist organization.
Mr. Graham denounced the leaks.He said Solicitor-General Wayne Easter is committed to a police inquiry.
“Let's not compromise that process...and particularly make statements which put a Canadian's citizen's [life at risk].”
“I totally, absolutely, utterly condemn all forms of this speculative statement about someone's life.”
But he added that he is confident his department was not responsible for the leaks.
Mr. Graham did not commit to a public inquiry into the Arar affair, despite calls from the opposition, a Canadian civil liberties group and Mr. Arar's family.
He said Mr. Easter is conducting a police inquiry and should Mr. Arar want further action, he will ask for it.
“Let Mr. Arar, when he's had his chance, to come and state what he wants to do and the government will react to it.”
