The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, today made the following statement upon learning of the sentencing of Joseph Attar in Egypt to 15 years in prison:



“While Canada acknowledges that the Government of Egypt granted consular access to Mr. Attar, we remain concerned about a number of aspects in this case.



“The allegations of mistreatment and torture made by Mr. Attar during his trial are of particular concern. We have raised the issue of torture repeatedly with Egyptian authorities. We call upon Egypt to launch a prompt and impartial investigation into Mr. Attar’s claims and to abide by the United Nations Convention Against Torture, to which it became party in 1986.



“Under international human rights law, evidence obtained under torture is inadmissible and cannot be the basis for a conviction. Canada calls on Egypt to ensure that Mr. Attar’s right to have his conviction and sentence reviewed by a higher tribunal is upheld.



“We request that Egypt address these concerns and ensure that Mr. Attar’s legal and human rights are respected.”