The Case of Omar Khadr
Sarah Mackenzie The Effect of the War on Terror on Canadian Multiculturalism: The Case of Omar Khadr Sarah Mackenzie POLI 421, Prof. Baumgartner UNC-Chapel Hill, Fall 2019 Abstract This paper explores the frames associated with Omar Khadr, one of the most controversial cases in recent Canadian history. It explores Canadian news coverage of Khadr while he was charged with terrorism as a child, held in Guantanamo Bay, as well has his eventual repatriation to Canada and settlement with the Canadian government. With specific attention given to Khadr’s representation in the journalism, courts, and through images, I find that his case highlights the limits of Canadian multicultural policy, and exposes its racialized history. Keywords: framing, content analysis, Canada, multiculturalism, islamophobia, Khadr. Final Draft, Dec. 4th 2019 1 Sarah Mackenzie Introduction Omar Khadr is one of the most controversial figures in contemporary Canadian politics. At the age of 15, Khadr, a Canadian citizen, was detained by the United States at Guantanamo Bay after being accused of killing U.S. Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Speer. In 2010, he pleaded guilty to five war crime charges including spying, attempted murder, provision of material support for terrorism, and conspiracy (Andy Knight & McCoy, 2012). He later appealed his conviction, claiming that he falsely plead guilty so that he could return to Canada. In 2015, Khadr was released on bail and is currently living with his lawyer’s family in Edmonton, Alberta. In 2017, Khadr sued the Canadian government for infringing his right to protection under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. He ultimately won this lawsuit, compelling the Canadian government to issue a CA $10.5 million settlement and offer an official apology.
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