Woman stranded in Kenya sues Ottawa for $2.5-million (2)
A Canadian woman who was stranded for months in Kenya over false claims that she was an impostor is suing Ottawa for $2.5 million for her ordeal.
Her lawyers and supporters are also asking for a public inquiry and apology from the federal government.
“I was alone when my government let me down,” Suaad Hagi Mohamud, 31, said Friday.
“I don’t care about money. … I’m only (going) to court so this never happens to another Canadian citizen.”
Mohamud, who was born in Somalia, was stranded for almost three months in Kenya after authorities said her lips did not match her four-year-old passport photo.
Canadian officials branded her an impostor, voided her passport and handed it over to Kenyan authorities for prosecution.
She returned to Toronto on Saturday and was reunited with her 12-year-old son after genetic tests proved her identity and the charges against her were dropped.
Her lawyers say they’ve been stonewalled by federal officials and believe the public will not see the results of an internal government investigation into her case.
[More]
Notes:
I’m not surprised.
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MaryT Says:
When will someone put all the pics of said woman side by side. Yet another one appears today.
In some she has glasses, in others she doesn’t. Some have her head covered, others don’t.
What does she really look like.
Posted on August 21st, 2009 at 3:47 pm
Jack Says:
As I said in the main entry I’m not surprised, Mary. I have no doubt this happened to her and it will be interesting to find out where the actual bias lies as Canada investigates.
My concern is that new Canadians are managing to wiggle themselves into senior government positions and they may be bringing their bias with them. I hope that is not the case but I wouldn’t bet ten cents on it.
Posted on August 21st, 2009 at 4:28 pm
stageleft Says:
@MaryT: If you look at pictures of me sometimes you’ll see me in glasses, sometimes not.
Sometimes you’ll see me wearing a ball cap, sometimes not, and at other times I’m in a do-rag.
Sometimes my hair is loose, sometimes it’s in a pony tail.
In some pictures I’m wearing jeans and a sleeveless t-shirt, in others a sport coat and dress slacks, and in others a suit and tie.
Sometimes my eyes look blue, other times they look grey…. don’t ask me why, they seem to change colour like that dependent on how much sun I’m getting.
What’s your point?
@Jack: I’m quite sure there was bias involved Jack, just not in the direction you’re thinking about.
Posted on August 21st, 2009 at 5:56 pm
Jack Says:
Can you explain?
Posted on August 21st, 2009 at 5:59 pm
Cynapse Says:
Well, I hope you never get your hair cut, Mary. Why does this woman put such a bee in your bonnet?
Posted on August 21st, 2009 at 6:01 pm
UV Says:
Havent you heard, Cynapse, she doesnt like ‘Canadians of Convenience.’
Posted on August 21st, 2009 at 7:16 pm
Jack Says:
Let Mary answer, UV. You’re trying to get inside her head and you have no idea where she is coming from. Just like you have no idea where I am coming from.
We each live in our own bubble — every “computer” different. Mary has her view and you have yours. I don’t like “putdowns” and I expect more of you.
Posted on August 21st, 2009 at 7:21 pm
UV Says:
Well Jack, you seem to allow lots of so called put downs on your american news watch. We’re all entitled to our opinions especially when they smack of possible racial profiling as possibly noted by Cynapse and Stageleft.
Posted on August 21st, 2009 at 7:55 pm
Cynapse Says:
Oh, UV, I think we should wait for Mary T to respond. We need to hear her definition of a “Canadian of convenience” and whether it would apply to, say, my friend who went back to visit her family in Ireland.
Posted on August 21st, 2009 at 8:13 pm
Pat Says:
I wonder who it was that they wouldn’t let out of the country and said that this person did not resemble the picture on the passport? Strange, if it was her that everybody involved said it wasn’t her. Was is bias or was she scamming her sister or somebody else out of the country?
Another story in “As the Stomach Turns”
Posted on August 21st, 2009 at 9:01 pm
stageleft Says:
@Jack: Re: Can you explain?
Your comment leads me to believe that you are worried that these “new Canadians” (whoever they may be) who have managed to “wiggle themselves” into senior positions may not be sympathetic to the government cause Jack.
Personally I hope the government gets its’ hand slapped by the courts – my position on this is quite clear, it was government bias that kept this Canadian woman in limbo, bias and incompetence…. the same type of bias that has kept another Canadian in limbo over his ears.
Cannon needs to go.
Posted on August 21st, 2009 at 9:18 pm
ward Says:
UV, Stage and Cynapse, you so shamelessly play the race card at every opportunity, and shamelessly misrepresent other people positions to bolster your race hustling.
Quite frankly if it was a white “Canadian of Convenience” – and there are those too, that any of you would give a damn.
Racism works both ways and you guys demonstrate it very well.
Posted on August 22nd, 2009 at 1:47 am
Cynapse Says:
Nothing of the sort has been demonstrated by us, Ward, and you know it. You’re trying to stick up for Mary T because she has once again gotten herself in doo doo for making comments that have no logical basis unless one is to assume that because of the subject’s appearance she must be up to “no good”.
Tell me, have you looked identical ever since your first passport?
Have you ever visited a dangerous country?
If the answer to either is “yes”, are you a Canadian of convenience?
It’s not a “card” when racism appears to be a real motivation. You hardcore Cons will figure this out some day. Let me turn your question back on you – if it was a white Canadian of convenience, would Mary T have gone on tirade in 3 separate threads about how the country’s going to hell in hand basket? Would this even be in the news?
The answer is we don’t know and that’s because Mary T hasn’t returned to expand on her declaration. So how about we just wait for that.
Posted on August 22nd, 2009 at 8:10 am
stageleft Says:
@ward: I have real doubts that a white, non-immigrant, Canadian, would have been forced to go to the extraordinary lengths Mohamud had to to get home.
You can call that playing “the race card” if you’d like, I see it as CPoC rhetoric come to life.
Posted on August 22nd, 2009 at 9:51 am
fh Says:
I have been told I don’t resemble my passport picture I just laugh and say I don’t think anybody does.
I do take this women’s predicament seriously up until now I have not had my passport destroyed because of my lack of resemblance to my picture.
this needs to be investigated.
I don’t agree with suing the Government
compensation should be offered by the government
we should all be concerned as Canadians
fh
Posted on August 22nd, 2009 at 10:56 am
stageleft Says:
@fh: The only way that any government will acknowledge wrongs and make adjustments to its’ behaviour is via public outcry, public shaming, and (of course) the courts – this has been demonstrated time and time again with government upon government.
We should all be concerned however there is that segment of society that is more willing to blame the dark skinned, non-christian, victim originally from another country, than to hold the government accountable for its’ actions because — IMO — the victim is a dark skinned, non-christian, originally from another country.
Posted on August 22nd, 2009 at 11:52 am
Pat Says:
I’ve got to laugh at the abilities of the usual suspects to magically “just know” that these people are making decisions based on race and religion. Impressive, to say the least. Not as impressive as all the people that forecast the multi-million dollar lawsuit but certainly predictable and boringly abrasive.
I would imagine that if I was in a position of questioning the authenticity of documents, in a part of the world that has whole countries without even a government to speak for them, that I’d probably have a few questions about quite a few of the people trying to get out through which ever border and country that they can and into Canada.
And to top it off, the actions of the Kenyan Customs as well as a member of the Canadian Embassy, translates into get rid Mr. Cannon, CPC rhetoric come to life and the usual boring and antagonistic drivel goes on and on. As long as there is an opportunity to attack Canada in any way possible, we know that we can count on you, not that I find that particularly comforting, for some reason. And yes, I too obviously see that the race card is played with glee at every opportunity.
Posted on August 22nd, 2009 at 1:13 pm
Cynapse Says:
Actually, Pat, I started with a pretty open-ended question re: how one of the other usual suspects “just knew” the woman in question was a Canadian of Convenience and up to no good. Why don’t you question that? Obviously you accept certain “cards” without question. But if the Scots, Irish, French etc can demand not to be assumed malicious, then so can everyone else. The sooner you figure this out, the sooner you will understand what you lazily dismiss as “the race card”.
It should also be noted Mary T has made no attempt to explain herself.
Posted on August 22nd, 2009 at 1:25 pm
Cunctator Says:
Cynapse,
Sorry, I have to disagree. The world is far more complicated than you seem to be suggesting, and their are certain regions and certain groups whose social mores are considerably different from our own. In those places, crime, fraud, bribery and a host of other offenses that we regard as criminal are quite common — in fact, the type of personal behaviour we would deem honest would be penalised in such an environment. If Nairobi is like that, and Somalia certainly is, than our consular officials should be and need to be extra vigilant. I would not at all be upset if they err on the side of caution, especially if there are evident discrepancies (such as very different pictures).
Posted on August 22nd, 2009 at 1:46 pm
Sandy Says:
I just put up this post at my new blog — before I read this thread. Some of you may be interested in my angle: tying Canadian officials hands behind their backs because of political correctness.
Posted on August 22nd, 2009 at 2:16 pm
ward Says:
To the race hustlers, I seem to remeber quite a number of Canadian-Lebenese being brought home at great expense and effort by the Conservative Government.
Also you should all refresh your memories on what happened to whitey Bill Sampson, and how he was abandoned by the Liberal Govt of the day. I cannot find any information that he has ever sued his own country or government.
I wonder if Mr. Sampson has any regrets that he was not a immigrant of color?
As for Ms. Mohamuds comment that its not about the money – its about the money. She deserves maybe lost wages and bit more for some of the discomforts she might have endured but thats it. 2.5 million is idiocy (thank you Maher Arar!)
Posted on August 22nd, 2009 at 3:45 pm
Cynapse Says:
Race Hustlers make money from their craft. We’re just sick of the double standards. You’re the “Boer” before Mandela took over – not necessarily responsible for what was happening but quite content to live off the avails. Your choice, and dealing with objectors is the consequence.
Regardless, your evidence proves Canada does not look out for its own, on top of the bias previously highlighted. Maybe we should say we’re American.
Posted on August 22nd, 2009 at 3:49 pm
Pat Says:
And he said “I don’t think I’ll dignify that comment with a response.”
Posted on August 22nd, 2009 at 4:34 pm
Joe Says:
My question although completely unfounded is, “Is this whole thing a method of fundraising for the Mosque?”
Think about it, if the Canadian official and the woman in question collaborated in getting the woman refused entry into Canada…. Just raising a question. After all I have yet to receive convincing evidence that Arar was tortured.
Posted on August 22nd, 2009 at 4:43 pm
Cynapse Says:
Well at least these allegations are getting creative. Why don’t we throw in an Osama angle – maybe this IS Osama dressed up as a woman trying to get into the country. Check the NDP for an angle, because they’re probably the ones doing the shadow paperwork. This means of course that Osama will get a job at the Star writing columns about the National Post. Feel me?
Posted on August 22nd, 2009 at 5:15 pm
Jack Says:
That one is below the belt, Cynapse.
Let’s keep it clean.
Posted on August 22nd, 2009 at 5:36 pm
Cynapse Says:
Which one?
(redundant question)
*desists*
Posted on August 22nd, 2009 at 5:37 pm
Jack Says:
The last one.
Heh…
Posted on August 22nd, 2009 at 5:38 pm
UV Says:
Good one Cynapse. Seems like Jack is losing his sense of humor.
Posted on August 22nd, 2009 at 5:57 pm
Joe Says:
So Cynapse you don’t believe in asking questions? You must be really gullible. The fact remains that people get creative when it comes to milking money from a willing source. Let’s not just take some lawyerly arguments in a ‘court of law’ as any kind of determinant of truth. If indeed she wins this case let’s watch and see where the money goes. If a larger portion of it winds up in the local mosque and from there exported to support jihadi causes or if the money is kept at home and used for peaceful purposes we don’t know. Until then any and all speculation is valid.
Posted on August 22nd, 2009 at 6:23 pm
UV Says:
Geez, Joe – you must really be gullible if you believe that theory after all the public attention this case is getting.
Posted on August 22nd, 2009 at 7:11 pm
ward Says:
What double standards Cynapse? And who are “we”.
Posted on August 22nd, 2009 at 7:28 pm
Joe Says:
UV: I didn’t say I believed anything other than asking questions. When there is 2.5 million on the table I think questions are in order. Don’t you?
Posted on August 22nd, 2009 at 7:31 pm
xena the dog Says:
“Ms. Mohamud’s notice of action in Ontario Superior Court details a series of blunders that began in May when Kenyan authorities questioned the validity of her passport as she tried to board a flight to Canada.”
Shouldn’t she be suing the Kenyan government? after all they are the ones that initially refused to let her board that flight.
Posted on August 22nd, 2009 at 7:34 pm
UV Says:
Joe…I’m sure the Canadian government will do a thorough investigation of this tragic event and I also believe she should be suing the Kenyan government for the initial mistake.
Certainly doesnt give one confidence that when travelling abroad, you cannot rely on your government to provide quick assistance when needed. Wouldnt you agree?
Posted on August 22nd, 2009 at 8:19 pm
Joe Says:
Actually UV I’m a little bit more cynical than that. I don’t believe that the government will do a thorough investigation. I’m also not so certain that there isn’t a concerted effort to tear down Canadian sovereignty by nefarious individuals and groups. With the known thousands of bogus Canadian passports out there and the ability of individuals to embarrass and have removed individuals whose job it is to keep our borders safe, how difficult is it for people whose sole motive is wreaking havoc to intimidate border security with threatened lawsuits.
As for me I always make sure that my passport picture is up to date and actually looks like me. I also carry back up ID. But then that’s just me.
Posted on August 22nd, 2009 at 8:59 pm
Pat Says:
Well Joe, one thing you can be assured of and that is that the “nefarious individuals and groups” will receive plenty of support from the $h!t for brains left. What? And miss an opportunity to bash Canada? You’ve got to be kidding.
What harm can there be in working towards letting some nut bar with a suitcase A-bomb into Canada? I mean what harm could they do? How’s about several million dead? A yes, I can hear the music now, Frank Zappa singing “And it can’t happen here.:
Posted on August 22nd, 2009 at 9:31 pm
Cynapse Says:
So Cynapse you don’t believe in asking questions? You must be really gullible
To the contrary I’ve been doing that all thread and getting minimal feedback. Assuming otherwise may have in fact been “gullible”. Perhaps you know why there is such an interest in finding a sinister motive from this woman.
Posted on August 23rd, 2009 at 1:09 am
MaryT Says:
Sorry to be so late to reply to some questions re my comment. I have been getting new computer and other stuff installed for the past few days.
First, I get my hair cut several times a year.
Second, Canadian of Convenience is my term for any canadian who gets in trouble overseas that has immigrated to Canada for a better life.
Third, as she has had trouble proving who she is, one would think that she would not have numberous pics of her floating around, each making her look different.
Fourth, when was the pic of her with very short hair taken, is that her passport picture.
And why doesn’t she sue Kenya officials, instead of the canadian govt. They refused her a boarding pass.
Lastly, I think she is lying when she says it is not about the money.
Posted on August 25th, 2009 at 10:01 pm