Redactions hamper Afghan detainee probe
The Harper government has blacked out large sections of relevant files handed over to the independent inquiry probing allegations of transfer to torture of detainees in Afghanistan, despite the fact that its investigators have the highest levels of national security clearance.
The heavily redacted documents, obtained by The Globe and Mail, underscore the sweeping nature of the government's efforts to keep the documentary record from the Military Police Complaints Commission, which is attempting to conduct an inquiry into allegations that Canada knowingly transferred prisoners to likely torturers in Afghanistan.
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In the material delivered to the MPCC, government blackouts render unreadable many of the documents, some drafted by Mr. Colvin. The sweeping redactions were imposed even though everyone who works with or serves on the MPCC must have at least "secret" clearance and all of the senior investigators, as well as the panelists who would conduct the inquiry, have the highest security clearances.
One of Peter MacKay's favourite talking points has been that the government has cooperated fully with the MPCC's investigation and that includes the provision of "thousands of documents." That doesn't mean much if you can't read them. And incidentally, how can this be about national security when everyone involved has the necessary clearances?
I look forward to Christie Blatchford telling the MPCC that they have some explaining to do.
It sounds from that story that we're still waiting on the Federal Court to rule on Steve's position that he can redact anything he pleases. I would love to hear the judges one day notify the government's lawyer to bring a toothbrush with him if he doesn't come with government compliance to a court order. I guess we're not that far along yet.
"I look forward to Christie Blatchford telling the MPCC that they have some explaining to do.'
Great line.
If these were the same documents that Blatchford reviewed, she must really be salivating for a Senate position.
So... will average Canadians prove to be more astute than the rubes down south who bought into the "Support the troops" "Mission Accomplished" crappola?
So... will average Canadians prove to be more astute than the rubes down south who bought into the "Support the troops" "Mission Accomplished" crappola?
No.
Anon, giving Blatchford a seat in the senate would be a small price to pay for getting her to stop clutting up the newspaper with her crapola.