A tribute to Monia Mazigh

Maher Arar discussed the lessons that can be learnt from his ordeal, in an inspiring and moving speech today at the University of British Columbia.

While diplomatically addressing Canada's strengths and weaknesses in dealing with national security cases, Arar did not cast himself as a hero. He repeatedly mentions that his return to Canada after torture in Syria was due to the tireless efforts of his wife.

Monia Mazigh has been a model of strength, courage, and determination. While her husband was unjustly detained in Syria, Mazigh collaborated with human rights groups and the media to pressure the government for his release. "Monia was behind me from day one," Arar said today.

Mazigh did not let her anxiety, grief, and responsibilty as a single mom deter her from launching a campaign to seek justice. "I decided that I was not going to keep quiet. We shouldn't be terrorized, shouldn't be scared," she said in a news report.

Since Arar's release, the press coverage has focused on him- justifiably so. But it is important to remember that his story may have not been told were it not for his wife's efforts.

I write this as a tribute to the woman who helped fight this battle.

While Arar and his family were able to achieve justice, my thoughts go out to the countless and anonymous victims of the "war on terror." How many more Monia Mazighs are out there trying to bring back husbands, brothers, fathers, or relatives from the abyss of political dungeons? Their struggles may not be commemorated or priviliged in press coverage, but their stories do matter. One hopes that the Arar case will set a precedent to avoid future tragedies.