Media Room

News Release

For Immediate Release

Commission to Launch a Second Probe into the Handling of Detainees in Afghanistan by the Military Police

OTTAWA, February 26, 2007 — Peter A. Tinsley, Chair of the Military Police Complaints Commission (MPCC), today announced a public interest investigation into a complaint regarding the transfer of detainees by Military Police in Afghanistan.

This decision relates to a joint, Amnesty International Canada and British Columbia Civil Liberties Association, complaint letter received by the Commission on February 21, 2007. In the complaint, it is alleged that the Canadian Forces Provost Marshal and unidentified members of the CF Military Police, on at least 18 occasions transferred detainees to Afghan authorities notwithstanding alleged evidence that there was a likelihood they would be tortured.

"Under the National Defence Act, the Chair of the MPCC may launch an investigation at any stage of a complaint against military police if it is deemed in the public interest to do so," stated Mr. Tinsley. "These allegations relate to the conduct of members of the military police and their duties and functions with respect to custody of persons, and as such, engage the oversight mandate of the Commission."

In his decision communicated to the Minister of National Defence, the Chief of the Defence Staff and the Canadian Forces Provost Marshal, Mr. Tinsley cited the seriousness of the allegations as one of several compelling reasons to proceed with the public interest investigation.

Mr. Tinsley has reserved a decision on whether to hold a public hearing into the complaint. "If our investigation uncovers evidence such that a public hearing would be warranted, or if the additional powers of a hearing are required to obtain relevant evidence, then I will exercise my authority to convene one," said Mr. Tinsley.

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Stanley Blythe
Chief of Staff
(613) 947-5704
blythes@mpcc-cppm.gc.ca