Compel prison to allow media to interview Omar Khadr, lawyers urge court

TORONTO — Lawyers for several media outlets are arguing for access to former Guantanamo Bay inmate Omar Khadr.

They want the Federal Court to overrule prison authorities who have refused to grant media access to him.

CBC, the Toronto Star and White Pine Pictures argue the warden’s decision violates freedom of the press and the public’s right to know.

In his refusal, the warden says any interview with Khadr would increase his notoriety and put his safety in jeopardy.

The warden also says allowing media access would disrupt routine at the institution.

Khadr, 28, is serving out an eight-year sentence for war crimes at Bowden Institution in Innisfail, Alta.