QUESTION PERIOD — Global Affairs
Canadian Citizen Detained in Algeria
September 21, 2023
My question is for the Government Representative in the Senate. Senator Gold, a 36‑year-old Canadian researcher, Raouf Farrah, was recently sentenced to two years in prison in Algeria. He has been held in an Algerian jail since February on charges of receiving funds that would disturb the public peace. Every observer agrees that these charges are baseless. According to PEN America, this unjust sentence against Raouf Farrah illustrates how far the Algerian government is willing to go to stamp out critical commentary and independent scholarship.
Senator Gold, can you give us any information about steps under way to try to have Mr. Farrah freed from prison?
Thank you for the question and for bringing this troubling case to our attention. It is troubling not only for the individual and his family, but also for democratic freedom. I was advised that Global Affairs Canada is aware of the situation and of the individual’s detention in Algeria. As I’m sure you’ll understand, senator, for reasons of confidentiality, no more information can be shared at this time.
Let me see if I can coax a little more information out of you anyway. Maybe, maybe not. This man is a Canadian citizen, a graduate of the Université de Montréal and the University of Ottawa. He married a Quebecer. He has a 4-year-old daughter. I understand the need for discretion, but my request today is simple. Can you assure us that the government will not ignore this case, that it will not be forgotten?
Yes, I can offer you those assurances, senator, and thank you for the question. I’m told that Canadian officials are in contact and providing consular assistance to the Canadians and their families.
