5 questions about the future of Omar Khadr - Action News
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5 questions about the future of Omar Khadr

Omar Khadr's return to Canada has raised questions as to what lies ahead for the 26-year-old.
Omar Khadr has been repatriated to Canada where he is now being held at a maximum-security prison in eastern Ontario.

Omar Khadris currently being assessed at the Millhaven Institute, a maximum-security prison in eastern Ontario.He returned to Canadaover the weekend after being released from the U.S.-run detention camp in Guantanamo Bay,Cuba.

Under a plea agreement in 2010, Khadr plead guilty to five war crimes, including the death of American Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Speer. As part of that plea agreement,he was transferred to Canada to serve out the rest of his eight-year sentence.

Buthis return to Canadahas also raised questionsas towhat lies ahead for the 26-year-old.

Where will Khadr spend the rest of his sentence?

Thats still unknown.Khadr isin custody under a 23-hour-a day lockdown at Millhaven, where hegets an houra day of exercise in the courtyard.

He is in the assessment unit where correctional officials are determiningthe appropriate level of security required forhimand where he will beplaced for the long term. That process could take weeks.

His lawyers have argued that while in Guantanamo Bay, Khadr was a model prisoner and does not need to be placed in maximum security, meaning he could be transferred to another facility. (Although, his lawyerBrydie Bethell told the Globe and Mail, it may make sense to be in maximumsecurity for his own safety.)

The Toronto Star reported it is also possible that Khadr could be transferred to the Special Handling Unit. Also known as SHU, located in Sainte-anne-des-Plaines, Que.,the maximum security facilityholds others who have been convicted of terrorism offences.

Will Khadr undergo any rehabilitation programs while in custody?

Constitutional and human rights lawyer Paul Champtold CBC Newsthat because Khadr is considered a child soldier, Canada would have an obligation to provide rehabilitation and counselling to him under international law.

Like all federal inmates entering the Correctional Service of Canada, Khadr will be provided with a correctional plan.In an email to CBC News, a spokesperson for CSC saidthe departmentprovides a number programs to "help offenders to address the factors that led to their offences and to assist in their safe reintegration into our communities."

CSC also states itoffers inmates "meaningful rehabilitation programs" and employment activities.

But it's unclear whether the CSC has anyspecific deradicalization program and whether Khadr would partake.

When will Khadr be eligible for parole?

Khadr's eight-year sentence started on Oct. 31, 2010, meaning he has six years left.Khadr's previous lawyers believed their client should be released immediately upon his return to Canadabecause his rights were violated during his timein Guantanamo Bay.So far, his current lawyershave saidthey have not made any decisions yet regarding the application for parole but have saidKhadr couldbe eligible as early as the spring orsummer of 2013.

As Public Safety Minister Vic Toews said, ultimately it will be up to the National Parole Board to decide whether Khadr should be released andunder whatconditions. The NPB's decision will be based on a number of factorsincluding his risk to society and likelihood of reoffending. If his application is rejected, he would be able to reapply every year.

It's possible that parole conditions could include parts of a 'deradicalization' plan mapped out by his then lawyers in 2008,based on DDR programs:disarmament, demobilization and reintegration.

Thatplan wouldhaveincludedtreatmentfor Khadrin a secure facility at Toronto's Centre for Addiction and Mental Health,where he would be psychologically assessed for riskof terrorist activity.

They had also proposed Khadrlive with his maternal grandparents, whowere said to have not been associated with radical ideologies, in a Toronto suburb for two to three years.

The final stage of that planwould see Khadr on a supervised release, lasting from one to three years, and under strict conditions such as forcing him to refrain from drug use, petty crime or interacting with specific individuals. He would also be involved in a religious deradicalization programwith help from a prominent Islamic figure in the community.

What will Khadr do once released?

Khadrs sentence finishes Oct. 30, 2018, meaning at that point he will be released into the public without conditions, having served his time.

Khadrs lawyers have said that Khadr wants to pursue education and become a health-care practitioner. Arlette Zinck, an English professor at Edmonton's Kings University College, has spent the past two years visiting and tutoring Khadr at Guantanamo Bay.

In an email to CBC News, King's vice-president of institutional advancement Dan VanKeeken wrote, "Once his prison term is over, if he decided to apply to King's we would treat him as any other applicant." In 2010, during his sentencing, Khadr said he would "be honoured" to attend the university and said he hoped someday to go into medicine.

But some have suggested that Khadr could bekept under close watchby Canada's security agency.

Are there any conditions placed on Khadr upon his release?

As part of his plea bargain, Khadr agreed to certain conditions. He saidhe wouldnever enter the United States or take legal action against the U.S. in regards to his capture and detention.

Khadr also agreed he wouldnot make money from his experiences and that he wouldhand over to the Canadian government anyprofits or proceeds he may receive in connection with the "publication or dissemination of information" relating to his crimes.

Khadr also said he would not assign the "rights to my story" that would provide financial benefit to him, his associates or family members.