National Post Apologizes to Human Concern International
Posting Date: 26 Apr 04
Author(s): National Post

Human Concern International (“HCI”), an Ottawa-based registered charity, has been supporting the needy both in Canada and elsewhere for the past 23 years. It has never been controlled by the late Ahmed Said Khadr or his family. Khadr was a volunteer with HCI from 1988 to 1995, working in Pakistan on relief and development projects. In 1995, Khadr was arrested in Pakistan on charges of financing a terrorist bombing of the Egyptian embassy to that country. HCI severed all relations with Khadr on Dec. 3, 1995. Khadr returned to Canada after his release and started a separate organization, Health and Education Project International, which has no ties to HCI.

In 2001, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) alleged that Mr. Khadr had used his position with HCI to funnel money for terrorist purposes. HCI has consistently denied that any money was funnelled through its organization for terrorist purposes, and has advised the National Post that it is willing to open its books for inspection by any interested government agency. The National Post has no reason to believe that there is evidence of any misuse of HCI funds to support terrorism. HCI itself has never been accused of terrorism or of supporting terrorism. The Post has no reason to believe that any of its other volunteers or staff have been accused of terrorism or of supporting terrorism.

Incorrect information appeared in an editorial in the National Post of March 6. The National Post apologizes to HCI, its board of directors, volunteers and donors for any harm or embarrassment its errors may have caused.