The Star
March 19, 2009
But his decision hinges on what happens during a Makhtal court appearance today.
Makhtal, a Canadian citizen who lived in Toronto for close to a decade, was rendered to Ethiopia in January 2007 and has been held in prison for two years.
For most of his imprisonment, he was not allowed contact with the Canadian embassy nor legal representation.
The Ethiopian government alleges that Makhtal is a member of a terrorist organization – the Ogaden National Liberation Front – an allegation that Makhtal has denied.
He will appear in a civilian court in Addis Ababa today. But his cousin Said Maktal and other family members here don't believe he will receive a fair trial.
"I'll wait to see what happens," said Baird in a telephone interview with the Star.
"I'm going to take it one step at a time. I won't forecast what will happen. We've made our case to the Ethiopian government.
"Canada, Canadians and the senior people in government will be watching closely what happens in Addis Ababa."
A new Canadian ambassador has just been appointed to Ethiopia and he's still in Ottawa, Baird said.
But
he spoke to the Canadian embassy in Addis Ababa yesterday and he was
assured that the chargé d'affaires – the highest ranking Canadian
official currently in Ethiopia – will be in the courtroom monitoring
the proceedings.
SOURCE: TheStar, March 19, 2009