Re: Rights groups back Diab appeal, July 4. I write this keeping in mind that in western society we covet the “right” that every person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Therefore, Hassan Diab deserves that right.
That Amnesty International is concerned that “French evidence against the academic could have been gleaned from torture” ... and that this “offends the principles of fundamental justice,” appears to me as a smokescreen (Citizen, July 4). That there is evidence that indicates Hassan could be guilty is the issue. If he is certain of his innocence, he should have no problem going to France to prove so in the case of a 1980 terrorist bombing at a Paris synagogue.
Considering that modern France’s legal system follows the basic principle of innocent until proven guilty, Diab should stand up and prove his innocence. His fighting of extradition gives a wrong message if he is not guilty.
The “Amnesty” claim of “principles of fundamental justice” should also be considered for the victims of this event Diab stands accused of being party to. Or, does justice again only belong to those who curry favour with high-profile special interest groups?
REV. RON GROSSMAN , Ottawa President of Ministries, Israel’s Hope Ministries of Canada
