Eight men are on trial for plotting to blow up transatlantic flights with liquid explosives in London. They are accused of planning to attack up ten commercial jetliners. The men were arrested in 2006 but it was not until Tuesday, April 2nd that an alleged connection to Canada was made. The planes were to going from London Heathrow to the United States and now supposedly Canada. Air Canada spokesman Peter Fitzpatrick said that the company would continue to cooperate with security agencies, but he did not discuss reports that the company’s planes had been targeted. The accused men are all in their 20’s and of Pakistani decent. They are on trial for alleged conspiracy of murder and planning to commit violent acts likely to endanger the safety aboard an aircraft. The case was opened Tuesday after nearly two years of the men being arrested, and the prosecution is expected to begin presenting its case Wednesday.
This terrorist plot case is prevalent because though the men were arrested almost two years ago, the trial is occurring now. The proximity of the story is essential because a major development is the connection to Air Canada and the plot to attack planes headed toward Canada. Public safety critic Ujjal Dosanjh stated that he believed “the public’s right to know is paramount.” He was disappointed that the Canadian connection came from British media reports rather than the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority. After this threat came was discovered, security in American, Canadian, and British airports tightened. This affects everyone that travels and it is important for people to understand the reasoning for why security is heightened. (The Toronto Star, 4/3/08, Front Section)
A story that caught my attention is the ongoing Olympic torch relay going on around the world currently. The summer 2008 Olympics are to be held in Beijing, China, which since the announcement was made, has sparked protests since the announcement. In Paris Monday the flame was extinguished five times and the planned rally had to be cancelled. The British police arrested 30 demonstrators in London Sunday. Three activists in San Francisco climbed the Golden Gate Bridge to raise banners that read “One World, One Dream. Free Tibet.” Activists and protesters across the world are protesting partially because of China’s policies concerning Tibet. French President Nicolas Sarkozy is hinting that France may boycott the Olympic opening ceremonies. While the Olympic Games represent unity throughout the world, controversy over the location seems to be dampening the spirit of the games. Sun Weide, a spokesperson for the Beijing Olympic organizing committee responded to the demonstrations by saying "It will definitely be criticized by people who love peace and adore the Olympic spirit. Their attempt is doomed to failure.'' (The Toronto Star, 4/8/08, Front Section)
Days after elections in Zimbabwe, results have not been released and current president, Robert Mugabe is beginning to use violence in order to stay in power. (The Toronto Star, 4/6/08, World) A roadside bomb killed a Canadian soldier in Afghanistan Friday bringing the total of Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan to 82. (The Toronto Star, 4/5/08, Front Section) Hillary Clinton’s top campaign manager Mark Penn was pressured to resign Sunday after differences in policies of free-trade agreements arose. (The Toronto Star, 4/7/08, World) A man who knowingly spread the HIV virus to 15 people received an 18-year prison sentence Friday. (The Toronto Star, 4/5/08, Front Section) A transgendered pregnant man and his wife appeared on “Oprah” to discuss their decision for him to have a baby. (The Toronto Star, 4/4/08, World)
