Order to Take Off Niqab Pits Law Against Religion
THE STAR (TORONTO EDITION): Woman to appeal ruling forcing her to unveil face in sexual assault trial

A judge has ordered a Toronto woman to testify without her niqab at a sexual assault trial – raising the thorny issue of whether Muslim women should be allowed to appear as witnesses wearing a veil that covers everything but the eyes.

The issue is a collision of two rights, pitting religious freedom against the right of a defendant to face an accuser in open court.

The case could be precedent setting because it doesn't appear there is any Canadian case law addressing the question of Muslim women in the courtroom. In Canada, home to about 580,000 Muslims, the case will be closely watched, amid fears about Muslim women coming forward in criminal cases. >>> Betsy Powell | Monday, February 2, 2009

Hat tip: Dhimmi Watch >>>

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Canada: Terrorism Suspect Tries to Walk Out of His Own Trial
GLOBE AND MAIL: TORONTO — An Islamic convert facing terrorism charges was re-arrested after trying to walk out of his own trial Tuesday – saying simply that “I'm outta here” – after telling the court he wouldn't recognize Canadian law.

The 20-year-old, who can't be identified because he was underage at the time of his arrest two years ago, had been released on bail. But he spent last night in jail, and his legal future is unclear.

At the time proceedings broke down, a police officer had been on the stand, and the court was discussing the young man's mental status, including whether he was suicidal.

The only youth among 11 Torontonians accused of a variety of conspiracies is also the only suspect whose case has got to its trial phase. He faces charges of attending a terrorist training camp. The court has heard only preliminary motions so far, and has yet to delve into evidence or testimony.

While on bail, the young man had been living with his Hindu parents.

A Toronto Muslim preacher told The Globe that the suspect had been coming to Friday prayers, saying that he'd rather return to jail than live in a non-Islamic household. Terrorism Suspect Tries to Quit His Own Trial >>> By Colin Freeze | May 6, 2008

Hat tip: Jihad Watch

The Dawning of a New Dark Age (Paperback – Canada)
The Dawning of a New Dark Age (Hardback – Canada)