A/HRC/13/42* page 160 days of beatings the interrogation became less intense physically. There was much less use of the cables, and more punching and hitting. By the 16 or 17 October, the beatings diminished but the threats intensified, so that the psychological pressure was extreme. The “chair” was also invoked to scare him. At the end of each interrogation session an interrogator would say “tomorrow will be tough” or “tomorrow will be worse for you”. Mr. Arar found it almost impossible to sleep for more than two or three hours a night. Sednaya Prison - He said conditions were “like heaven” compared to those in Far Falestin. Judicial proceedings In the Syrian Arab Republic - on the day prior to his release, over a year after his initial detention, he was taken before a Supreme State Security Court. He was never tried or convicted of any offence. Canadian officials were not notified of this court date and no lawyer was present. He was not sure what took place this day, if it was an actual trial, no one ever advised him of the charges against him and he was not convicted of any offence. In Canada - On 28 January 2004, the Government of Canada announced that a Public Commission of Inquiry would be established to examine the actions of Canadian officials, including the detention and deportation of Mr. Arar in the countries concerned, namely in relation to the United States of America, Jordan and Syria. The Commissioner’s report was released on 18 September 2006.** The Commission found that the treatment and conditions of Mr. Arar in Far Falestin detention centre in Syria constituted torture as understood in international law. Upon the conclusion of the Inquiry Mr. Arar received an official apology from the Prime Minister of Canada and 10.5 millions dollars (Cdn) in compensation in addition to one million Cdn dollars to cover the costs of his legal fees. Date of release On 5 October 2003, Mr. Arar was released from custody after signing a “confession” given to him in court by a Syrian prosecutor. He returned to Canada on 6 October 2003. Additional Information Mr. Arar experiences serious psychological effects from his detention and torture in Syria. Since his release, Mr. Arar has a deep sense of isolation from the Muslim community. Since returning to Canada, he has had difficulty finding a job, despite having a degree in computer engineering and a Masters in telecommunications. This has had a devastating effect upon both his psychological state and economically. Mr. Arar’s relationships with members of his immediate family have been significantly impaired. He feels guilty about how he now relates to his own family. He often feels emotionally distant and preoccupied with his own concerns. * Information contained is from an interview with the interviewee’s legal Mr. Lorne Waldman, and other credible sources. representative, ** The Commissioner’s report was released on 18 September 2006, following a Commission of Inquiry. The Toope Report, released on 14 October 2005, was requested by the Commissioner of the Inquiry to determine the treatment of Mr. Arar while in detention in Jordan and Syria. The reports are available at: http://epe.lac-bac.gc.ca/100/206/301/pco-bcp/commissions/maher_arar/07-09-13/www.ararcom mission.ca/eng/index.htm. Case 6 - Biographic details Name Nationality/country of origin Mr. Moazzam Begg* United Kingdom