Monday, July 23, 2012

** Online petition launched for repatriation of Canadian convicted of killing US combat medic

** Funeral services held for Virginia LODD paramedic

CANADA NEWS

** More than 17,000 people have signed an online petition to repatriate a Guantanamo Bay prisoner convicted of killing a US Special Forces medic in Afghanistan in July 2002. The CBC (July 17) said the drive, started by Liberal Senator Romeo Dallaire, is asking for the transfer under a 2010 deal worked out with the US. Under the agreement, Omar Khadr, 25, would be allowed to return to Canada after serving an additional year in the Cuban facility. Khadr has remained on the island in US custody after being captured following his fatal grenade attack. Khadr’s lawyers have also filed a notice of application with the Federal Court to speed his transfer. The Canadian government, meanwhile, has not explained the delay. However, the move can be refused if Khadr is deemed a risk to public safety. Khadr pleaded guilty to war crimes x 5 in 2009. He was sentenced to eight years detention.

UNITED STATES NEWS

** Funeral services took place Friday for a Virginia paramedic killed July 16th when the fire truck he was riding in lost control. DelmarvaNow (July 19) said the commemoration for David R. Chew, Jr.,, 30, was held in Parksley at the Metompkin Elementary School. According to the newspaper, Chew’s death is the seventh LODD in recent memory among the state’s Eastern Shore fire and rescue organizations. Chew leaves a wife and 3-year-old son behind.