By Canadian Press

Diab, who fought terrorism allegations, finally gets new citizenship certificate

Oct 8, 2019 | 2:30 PM

OTTAWA — Sociology professor Hassan Diab has received a copy of his Canadian citizenship certificate a week after launching a court fight to get it.

The Lebanon-born academic had waited 15 months for a replacement copy with no explanation from the federal government, prompting him to head to Federal Court.

Diab’s original certificate was seized when the RCMP arrested him in 2008 in response to a request from French authorities, who suspected his involvement in the 1980 bombing of a Paris synagogue.

Diab has always professed innocence, but he was extradited to France where he spent three years in jail.

In January last year, French judges dismissed the allegations against Diab and ordered his immediate release, but his citizenship certificate was not returned.

Caledonia Nordic Ski Club

Caledonia Nordic Ski Club prepare for another big national biathlon competition

13h ago

Police

Family grieving after man dies shortly after being in police custody

Nov 16, 2024

Bond awarded Bob Scott Award

Nov 15, 2024

Ayesha Kumararatne, Diab’s lawyer, says while she is pleased Ottawa did the right thing in issuing a new certificate, she is disappointed it took court action to get a response.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 8, 2019.

The Canadian Press