The Copernic Affair | Canadaland Investigates – Episode 6: The Trial

Release Date: February 19, 2025

Hosts: Dana Boulut and Alex Atak

1. Introduction and Background

The Copernic Affair delves into the complex and contentious case of Hassan Diab, a Canadian sociology professor accused of orchestrating the 1980 bomb attack on the Copernic Synagogue in Paris. The episode, titled "The Trial," explores the intricate legal battles, emotional testimonies, and the enduring quest for justice surrounding this decades-old tragedy.

2. Hassan Diab's Release and Life in Canada

After more than three years of detention in a notorious French prison, Hassan Diab was released in early 2018 due to insufficient evidence, much to the dismay of the victims and their families. Dana Boulut narrates:

"After more than three years in a French prison without ever standing trial, Hassan Diab was released. For him and his supporters, this was a day to celebrate." ([02:13])

However, the release left the victims feeling abandoned:

"Why? You know, after so many years of attempting to extradite him, suddenly they just let him go. And this is it. He's back in Canada." ([02:51])

Back in Canada, Diab returned to his teaching position at Carleton University, but the psychological toll of his ordeal was evident. Friends observed a noticeable change in his demeanor:

"I think he's adopted a kind of looking over your shoulder, feeling all the time like he's always on guard..." ([04:58])

3. Reopening of the Case and New Trial Proceedings

In 2021, French prosecutors, alongside victims' lawyers, appealed Diab's release, reigniting the case without presenting new evidence. Raj Panjabi recounts a meeting with Vice Prosecutor Benjamin Chambes in Paris:

"Benjamin Chambes...He was also friendlier than I'd expected...Could you just introduce yourself to who you are?" ([07:00])

Chambes explained the prosecutors' role in re-examining the case with fresh eyes, even though no new evidence had emerged:

"He says that it was a real disgrace that Hassan Diab didn't come to France and that represented a sort of exception in French courtrooms." ([10:08])

Due to the lengthy process required for extradition, Diab remained in Canada and opted not to return to France, believing that doing so would result in a prolonged or permanent imprisonment.

4. Trial Testimonies and Evidence

The trial commenced in April 2023 at a historic courthouse near Notre Dame. Over three weeks, the courtroom was filled with emotional testimonies from victims, families, and experts. Key testimonies included:

• Nawal Khopti, Diab's ex-wife, steadfastly maintained his innocence despite her presence in Beirut during the attack:

  "I was in France for more than three years and I told my story to the professional judges, not to the circus media style trial and court." ([09:48])

• Oren Chagrir, a victim whose mother was killed, shared his enduring pain:

  "I'm not Jewish, but I'm with them. They are the primary victims. I'm just a collateral victim." ([16:33])

• Corinne Adler, a young victim traumatized by the attack, recounted the lasting impact on her life.

Despite the emotional weight of the testimonies, the evidence presented was largely circumstantial. Notably, fingerprints found at the scene did not match Diab’s, and handwriting analyses were ultimately deemed inconclusive.

5. Verdict and Aftermath

On April 21, 2023, the court delivered its verdict. After deliberations, Diab was found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment. However, due to his residence in Canada and the absence of an active extradition request, he remained free:

"He'd have to be extradited and face another trial in France." ([43:49])

The decision was met with mixed reactions:

• Victims and Families: Felt a sense of closure, albeit incomplete, acknowledging the court's recognition of their suffering:

  "We think that at least some justice was done and it is a move in the right direction." ([34:24])

• Supporters of Diab: Remained disheartened, believing the verdict was unjust and feared further legal actions:

  "I'm really sorry that this crime happened... Let's try and make sure that whoever did this is the person who would be punished for this, but not an innocent man." ([25:05])

6. Impact on Hassan Diab and Supporters

The prolonged legal battles have had profound effects on Diab and his support network. Returning to Canada did not equate to freedom; instead, Diab lived under constant fear of potential extradition and arrest:

"Hassan Diab lives with the constant dread that another SWAT team will arrive outside his door and the fear that Canada will follow through on another request from France to extradite him." ([43:49])

Supporters like Don Pratt and Nawal Khopti continue their efforts to advocate for Diab, grappling with the emotional strain of their protracted fight:

"Our big concern is a change in government and finding that the political will is there now to appease the French... We've kind of given up on that." ([49:51])

Despite the exhaustion, the community remains steadfast in their belief in Diab’s innocence, hoping for eventual resolution and justice:

"We are going to be publishing more investigations... but this story is not over." ([26:02])

7. Conclusion

The Trial encapsulates the enduring struggle between justice and advocacy, highlighting the complexities of international legal proceedings and their human impact. While the court's decision provided some semblance of closure for the victims, it left Hassan Diab and his supporters in a state of limbo, reflecting the unresolved tensions that persist decades after the initial tragedy.

Note: This summary focuses solely on the content related to the trial and its ramifications, omitting promotional segments and advertisements present in the original transcript.