Having met Abdullah Almaki in Windsor recently, where we both participated in a panel discussion regarding wrongful convictions, I immediately became interested in learning more about his plight. I was a twenty-four year old recent graduate from the University of Toronto in 1990 when my girlfriend went missing and I spent eighteen years struggling to clear my name before the Crown conceded this past April that they had no case. Along the way, I was fortunate enough to meet a man named Derek Finkle, who wrote a book about my case.

Having become focused on my own travails, I was astonished to learn about Abdullah’s experiences in Syria and the horrors he experienced along with several others; all with Canadian officials bearing much of the responsibility. If I had any respect left for this country, it is fading fast.

I spied your book in a Toronto public library three days ago and began reading it immediately and I wish to commend you on your efforts. All too often the media simply regurgitate what our officials feed us without subjecting it to critical inquiry; it is refreshing to know that yourself and others like you believe in justice are willing to ask the tough questions. As someone who also had to endure a prolonged and sophisticated attempt by police to destroy my reputation, I’m sure Abdullah is grateful that you have done your part in restoring his.

Best wishes,

Rob Baltovich