During a heartfelt address in the Senate, Senator Housakos shared the distressing experiences of Mesut and Meral Kacmaz, and Murat and Candan Akar, two Turkish-Canadian families who suffered severe torture after being illegally abducted from Pakistan and Bahrain, respectively. These families, who have since sought refuge in Canada, represent just a few of the countless individuals who have faced similar fates under the Erdogan administration.
Senator Housakos stressed that since 2016, over 300,000 people have been detained in Turkey, with thousands of legal professionals and media personnel being among them, leading to Turkey being recognized at one point as the world’s worst jailer of journalists. The Senator also underscored the findings of United Nations mechanisms, which have repeatedly pointed to serious human rights violations by Turkish officials.
Calling for the implementation of targeted sanctions against Turkish officials involved in these abuses, Senator Housakos emphasized Canada’s moral and legal obligation to stand by its citizens and uphold human rights standards globally. He also referenced the targeted sanctions submission filed by the victims with Global Affairs Canada, which aims to hold accountable those responsible for these atrocities.
Senator Housakos’s call to action resonates with his long-standing commitment to public service and human rights, inspired by his parents, immigrants who taught him the value of giving back to a country that has provided them with numerous opportunities. His legislative efforts, particularly in communication and public policy, reflect his dedication to representing and defending the interests of all Canadians, especially the voiceless and vulnerable.
Who is Senator Leo Housakos?
Senator Leo Housakos, hailing from Quebec, has served as a notable member of the Canadian Senate and was the Speaker of the Senate. Known for his passionate advocacy for human rights and public policy reforms, Senator Housakos has been inspired by his immigrant parents’ dedication to civic duty. His leadership in various Senate committees reflects his commitment to enhancing communication and representation in Canadian governance. An advocate for engagement in the legislative process, he encourages Canadians to participate in understanding actively and influencing policy-making, highlighting the integral role of the Senate in Canadian democracy.Osman Erol-ZAMAN Australia-Ottawa–