The Copernic Affair | Canadaland Investigates – Episode 5: The Detention

Release Date: February 12, 2025
Host/Author: Canadaland
Title: The Detention

1. Introduction and Recap

“Last time on the Copernic Affair...”
Alex Atak (01:12): Recaps the arrest of Hassan Diab and the initiation of extradition hearings in Canada to determine whether Diab should be sent to France to stand trial for a 1980 synagogue bombing in Paris.

2. Extradition to France

“After Hassan Diyab's arrest, extradition hearings began in Canada...”
Alex Atak (01:16): Details the prolonged legal battle led by Diab’s legal team to prevent his extradition, highlighting their belief in Diab’s innocence and the unreliability of the evidence against him.

“They put me on the plane and here we go...”
Hassan Diab (02:25): Expresses his apprehension and the initial relief he felt when French authorities approved his extradition, underscoring the beginning of his ordeal.

3. Arrival and Initial Detention in France

“On November 14, 2014, Hassan Diab was flown from Montreal to Paris...”
Alex Atak (03:19): Chronicles Diab’s arrival in France, where he was met by French police and initially intended to be driven past the targeted synagogue as a provocation—a plan thwarted by Judge Mark Trevorick.

“It was cold and I had practically no clothes on me...”
Hassan Diab (04:00): Describes the harsh conditions upon his arrival, including inadequate clothing and the intimidating environment of Fleury-Merogé detention center.

4. Legal Representation and Extradition Hearings

“Stephane Bonifasi is the first lawyer Hassan Diab hired...”
Dana Boulut (04:38): Introduces Stephane Bonifasi, an experienced lawyer who took on Diab’s case, emphasizing the historical significance of the 1980 Copernic Synagogue attack in France.

“Clearly, the case presented by the Republic of France against Mr. Diab is a weak case...”
Stephane Bonifasi (06:05): Highlights the Canadian judge’s assessment of the French case against Diab, pointing out the lack of direct evidence and the improbability of conviction in a fair trial.

5. Life in Fleury-Merogé Detention Center

“No one expects prison conditions to be pleasant, but Hassan Diab's situation was particularly bleak...”
Dana Boulut (12:17): Describes Diab’s grim living conditions, including solitary confinement for nearly 20 hours a day and interactions with unsavory inmates.

“They would turn the light on every hour, day and night...”
Hassan Diab (13:03): Recounts the psychological torment inflicted by prison guards, leading to severe sleep deprivation and hallucinations.

“The only thing I did was like, when they sent me out for two hours every day, I would keep running...”
Hassan Diab (14:34): Discusses his coping mechanisms, such as running incessantly during limited outdoor time to maintain mental resilience.

6. Support and Advocacy in Canada

“When a Canadian is wrongfully detained overseas, the Prime Minister must use the full power of their office to intervene...”
Stephane Bonifasi (16:41): Calls for governmental intervention, reflecting the efforts of Diab’s support group to keep the case in the public eye through rallies and video appeals.

“By 2015, some of Canada's biggest human rights organizations began supporting Hassan Diab, including Amnesty International...”
Dana Boulut (17:01): Chronicles the growing support from prominent organizations and activists pushing for Diab’s release.

7. Change of Judges and Reassessment

“They changed the judge...”
Hassan Diab (18:21): Announces a pivotal shift in the case with the replacement of Judge Mark Trevorick, introducing new investigative judges Richard Folzer and Jean Marc Ebot.

“The judges agreed that intelligence reports naming Hassan Diab as one of the bombers were not credible...”
Dana Boulut (25:26): Details how the new judges critically evaluated the evidence, uncovering documents and testimonies that undermined the initial accusations against Diab.

“In the end, they decided the evidence against Hassan Diab was insufficient...”
Alex Atak (27:13): Reports the judges' concluding decision to release Diab due to the lack of substantial evidence linking him to the Copernic attack.

8. Release and Aftermath

“The news of Hassan's release came through on Friday...”
Alex Atak (27:41): Describes the dramatic final hours leading to Diab’s release, including his frantic attempt to gather personal belongings and the chaotic scenes at the prison.

“By the afternoon Hassan Diab was released...”
Dana Boulut (29:05): Illustrates Diab’s triumphant yet exhausted return to Canada, marked by emotional reunions and media attention.

“Justice has finally prevailed...”
Hassan Diab (32:42): Shares his relief and hope during a press conference, acknowledging the support from Amnesty International and highlighting the ordeal he endured without facing formal charges.

“This is something that obviously was an...”
Dana Boulut (33:41): Reflects on Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s public acknowledgment of the injustice faced by Diab, reinforcing the need to scrutinize extradition laws.

9. Ongoing Legal Battles and Future Implications

“On Monday, France's top court put Hassan on trial...”
Stephane Bonifasi (34:30): Provides an update on the resurgence of legal proceedings against Diab, despite his previous release, signaling ongoing challenges in his quest for complete exoneration.

“If it wasn't enough, I don't think they will be satisfied...”
Hassan Diab (34:42): Expresses frustration over continued legal pressures and the emotional toll of revisiting the case years later.

Notable Quotes

• Hassan Diab (02:25): “They put me on the plane and here we go. It's like you feel or you wish. If the plane goes down, I don't care anymore...”
  Captures Diab’s emotional state upon extradition.

• Stephane Bonifasi (06:05): “The prospects of conviction in the context of a fair trial seem unlikely...”
  Highlights the weak evidence against Diab as perceived by Canadian judicial authorities.

• Hassan Diab (13:03): “They would turn the light on every hour, day and night...”
  Describes the inhumane conditions endured during detention.

• Hassan Diab (32:42): “Justice has finally prevailed. I can start with this. Miracles can happen.”
  Reflects on his release and the hope for justice.

Conclusion

Episode 5, The Detention, delves deep into Hassan Diab’s harrowing experience in French custody following his extradition from Canada. It chronicles the insufferable conditions he faced, the relentless legal battles, and the steadfast support from Canadian activists and human rights organizations. The episode also underscores the critical examination of international extradition laws and the profound personal toll such legal entanglements can have on an individual and their family.

This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from Episode 5: The Detention of The Copernic Affair by Canadaland Investigates, providing a comprehensive overview for listeners and non-listeners alike.