Ottawa's secrecy claims stall Air India probe

Ottawa: After months of smooth sailing, the Air India inquiry is facing renewed objections from the federal government about plans to hear sensitive testimony in public.
Inquiry counsel Mark Freiman said Tuesday that he has been unable to reach agreement with the Justice Department on how to handle the evidence – the nature of which he is not disclosing for now.
Mr. Freiman said he believes that the matter should be presented in open session and that the families of the bombing victims have a right to hear it.
Government lawyer Barney Brucker, citing national security concerns, says the evidence can't be discussed in any detail publicly and should be heard behind closed doors.
It will be up to the head of the inquiry, former Supreme Court justice John Major, to rule on the matter after he hears further arguments – which themselves will remain confidential pending his decision.
Mr. Major threatened at one point, early in his hearings, to shut down the inquiry unless the government relented in what he viewed as excessive secrecy claims.
06/11/07 The Canadian Press/Globe and Mail, Canada

To Read the News in full at Source, Click the Headline

Categories: Air India - International Nov 2007, Foreign Nov 2007, Safety Nov 2007