Mr. David Aaron
Correspondent
International Corrunission of Jurists (Canadian Section)
902-50 O'Connor Street
Ottawa, Ontario
KIP 6L2

Dear Mr. Aaron:
Thank you for your letter concerning the arrest of Zimbabwean retired Judge Fergus Blackie.

Your concerns about Judge Blackie's arrest and the deterioration of the Zimbabwean judicial system are shared by the Canadian government. We have already expressed our great concern about this case directly to senior representatives of tbe Zimbabwean Foreign Ministry. Rest assured that we take these events very seriously and will follow the progress of Judge Blackie's case closely.

Judge Blackie's arrest is part of a cycle of ever-increasing lack of respect for the rule of law, democracy, and human rights in Zimbabwe. Since 2000, we have witnessed the restructuring of Zimbabwe's traditionally strong judicial system, with the aim of producing less independent judgements.

At the Commonwealth, we strongly supponed the response from the Commonwealth Observer Group on Zimbabwe, which confirmed that there had Dot been free expression of will during the 2002 presidential elections in spring and that the elections had been held in a climate of fear. We welcomed the March 2002 conclusion of the Commonwealth Troika that Zimbabwe should be suspended from that organization for one year. We look to the Troika members to continue to pressure Zimbabwe.

On March 19, 2002, Prime MiniSter Jean Chretien issued an announcement indicating his concern with the presidential elections in Zimbabwe. We have withdrawn all funding to the Zimbabwean government. and senior government representatives are not welcome in Canada. Further, at the 2002 United Nations Commission on Human Rights, I spoke out for the need tor free and fair elections and respect for the rule of law in Zimbabwe. Canada co-sponsored a resolution with our European Union partners condemning ongoing human rights violations in Zimbabwe.

The Canadian government shares your desire to see an improvement in the situation of the people of Zimbabwe, and we will continue to explore ways to restore respect for rule of law, democracy and human rights in Zimbabwe. Thank you again for writing.

Sincerely,
Bill Graham