The Hon. Anne McLellan Deputy Prime Minister of Canada:

We are writing in our capacity as the directors of the Canadian Coalition Against the Death Penalty with regards to the looming extradition of Song Dae Ri to North Korea.  There has been no indication that Mr Ri is a war criminal, and he deserves all of the protection of Canada and its citizens.   It is shameful that the Immigration department is attempting to send him back to North Korea and certain execution, and that the Ministry of Public Security has not directly addressed this extradition yet. 

In light of the Supreme Court decision a few years ago ‘United States v. Burns’ preventing extraditions in criminal cases without assurances capital punishment won’t be implemented, this standard should be made to apply right across the board.

With the recent scandals involving Canadians facing torture or death in foreign countries, many Canadians particularly those in Canada’s immigrant community, are becoming alienated by the government’s blatant disregard for their rights. Mr. Ri’s case will only further damage the Liberals relationship with Canada’s immigrant community and supporters of civil liberties.

Your stepping forward on behalf of Mr. Ri and his son would be a step towards renewing trust amongst new Canadians, many who have come to Canada to start a new life after fleeing circumstances or oppression such as Mr. Ri and his family did.

Help restore Canadians faith and trust in the government of Canada, Stay his removal order immediately and grant Mr. Ri and his 6 year old son political asylum in Canada.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter, I know your decision will renew the faith of Canadians in their government, and bring comfort to a very frightened 6-year-old boy who’s already gone through enough..

Dave Parkinson and Tracy Lamourie

Directors

Canadian Coalition Against the Death Penalty