NEWS RELEASES

May 28, 2001 (3:35 p.m. EDT) No. 70

CANADA INVESTIGATES REPORTS THAT WILLIAM SAMPSON PHYSICALLY ABUSED IN SAUDI PRISON

John Manley, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade has been actively investigating reports that Canadian prisoner William Sampson may have been physically abused in a Saudi prison.

Following reports from departmental officials at the Canadian embassy in Riyadh, Mr. Manley called in the Saudi Ambassador to Canada on May 24 to express shock at the allegations that Mr. Sampson's rights were being violated. He also asked the Ambassador to ensure that Mr. Sampson be provided with daily consular access, that he be examined by a medical professional designated by Canada, that he be allowed to discuss his condition and situation openly, and that the incident be fully investigated by Saudi authorities, with the results provided to Canadian officials.

"Saudi officials have responded favourably to my requests and Mr. Sampson was examined by a Canadian-designated medical professional today in the presence of the Canadian ambassador," said Mr. Manley. "We have informed Saudi officials that we hold them responsible for Mr. Sampson's safety and that we expect him to be treated in accordance with international standards for prisoners set out in the Geneva Convention. We will continue to pursue this case with senior Saudi authorities until we have satisfactory answers."

Mr. Manley noted that Mr. Sampson and his family have specifically requested that the results of his medical examination not be released.

The Minister also noted that the Canadian embassy in Riyadh had raised this matter with the Saudi Deputy Minister of the Interior and would be following up on the incident with him and other senior Saudi officials.

Mr. Sampson has been detained by Saudi officials since mid-December 2000 on suspicion of being involved in two separate bombings that took place on November 17 and 22 in Riyadh. These bombings resulted in the death of a British citizen and the injury of four other foreign nationals. Mr. Sampson's case is still under investigation by Saudi officials who have yet to lay any formal charges and set a trial date.

Minister Manley underscored that Canada had been diligent in seeking justice for Mr. Sampson and providing him with consular assistance. The Minister noted that he had raised Mr. Sampson's case with the Saudi Ambassador to Canada on April 4 and that the Canadian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia had met with the Saudi Minister and Deputy Minister of the Interior, on several occasions, to discuss consular access, legal representation and Mr. Sampson's health. In addition, Canadian consular officials in Riyadh have visited Mr. Sampson on eight separate occasions since his arrest, and facilitated meetings between the prisoner and his father.

"We have impressed on Saudi authorities, both here and in Riyadh, the need to respect international norms concerning the treatment of detainees, consular access, rules of evidence and the conduct of trials, and will continue to do so," said Mr. Manley.

- 30 -

For further information, media representatives may contact:

Tony Macerollo

Executive Assistant

Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs

(613) 995-1851

Media Relations Office

Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

(613) 995-1874