Karygiannis calls for Protocols for Security Certificate Detainees
OTTAWA – The Honourable Jim Karygiannis, Member of Parliament for Scarborough-Agincourt, today, met with the three detainees at the Kingston Immigration Holding Centre, Millhaven Institute, in Bath, Ontario. The detainees have been on a hunger strike since late fall 2006.
“I am calling on the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness to establish protocols to address issues pertaining to the detention of Security certificate detainees.” said Mr. Karygiannis. “Right now, there is no protocol – we are taking bits and pieces from everywhere. We need coherence.”
The detainees are calling for more humane treatment in a number of areas, including, access to health care professionals (doctors); that they be released from their cells at 5:00am in order that they may pray together before dawn; that they be allowed conjugal visits; that they have longer contact with their families; that they have access to an Ombudsman, such as the Correctional Investigator, to hear their complaints; that they be provided with canteen services that adhere to their religious beliefs; and, that the daily head count be stopped.
“The Detention Centre lacks clear protocols. The establishment of protocols will bring an end to this hunger strike.” Mr. Karygiannis further commented. “The Minister must act immediately.”
The detainees have been held at the Kingston Immigration Holding Centre since April 24, 2006.
