NDP MPP Peter Tabuns today once again called on Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services Rick Bartolucci to explain the continued solitary confinement of Fahim Ahmad, Zakaria Amara and Mohammed Dirie.

The three men have now been in solitary confinement for two years.

“These men haven’t even been tried, let alone convicted,” Tabuns said, after meeting with Mr. Amara’s wife, Nada. “Despite the Minister’s statements to the contrary, Mr. Amara’s treatment has violated the most basic of human rights standards.”

None of the three men have been outside since April 2, and have not had access to library reading material since last September. Mr. Amara has been suffering from an untreated toothache for the past two months.

Regulations under the Ministry of Correctional Services Act require the prison superintendent to report to the Minister on the reasons for continued segregation of an inmate should they be in solitary confinement for more than 30 days.

“Minister Bartolucci seems to think that by saying this case is before the courts, he can duck questions. But his own regulations indicate that he has satisfactorily reviewed the reasons for continued solitary confinement – an even more troubling conclusion,” said Tabuns.

Tabuns called on the Minister to provide the legislature with details of this report, ensure better treatment, and end the prolonged solitary confinement