Lawyer for Omar Khadr to speak on campus
Posted: September 22, 2017 6:00 a.m.
Dennis Edney spent about 15 years fighting for justice for Omar Khadr, a Canadian citizen who was detained in Guatanamo Bay, Cuba. Photo courtesy of Alberta Venture Magazine
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Dennis Edney doesn’t mince words when talking about the so-called war on terror.
Edney is the lawyer who represented Omar Khadr, the Canadian citizen who was detained in Guatanamo Bay, Cuba, at the age of 16.
Edney will share his story, appearing on campus September 25 to speak at the Deliberation and Debate lecture. His lecture is titled “The Rule of Law in an Age of Fear.”
Edney spent about 15 years fighting for justice for Khadr for the abuse he suffered in the prison. Khadr received a $10.5 million settlement and an apology from the Canadian government.
Now in its second year, the Deliberation and Debate series features prominent speakers addressing important questions.
“I began the Deliberation and Debate lecture series last year to encourage robust but respectful debate on challenging topics, and past lectures have done exactly that,” says Dr. Vianne Timmons, President and Vice-Chancellor. “Mr. Edney's presentation will follow in this tradition."
Edney will bring a broader perspective to the Khadr case.
“The phrase ‘war on terror’ and the word ‘terrorist’ have now become synonymous with Islam and Muslims,” said Edney, speaking at a lecture he gave at the Stratford Festival in 2016. “We’ve all bought into the phrase ‘war on terror.’ It is an inaccurate term; a rhetorical device; a cynical manipulation of the public’s horror after 9/11. And as a result, public anxiety is increased, along with intolerance, discrimination and bigotry.”
Edney was born in Dundee, Scotland, and has received many awards and honours recognizing his commitment to human rights and his exceptional contributions to the legal profession. He practices criminal, constitutional and human rights law in Edmonton.
Event: Deliberation and Debate Lecture
Date: Monday, Sept. 25, 2017
Time: 7:30 pm – 9 pm
Location: Education Auditorium (ED 106) - Main Campus
Complimentary parking will be provided in lots 6, 7 and 8.