KurdistanObserver.com

Nov 9 2005 
A Kurdish refugee living in Toronto is suing the federal government for denying him permanent-resident status because of alleged terrorist associations.

Suleyman Goven came to Canada in 1991, claiming he'd been tortured in Turkey because he was a Kurd and a trade union leader.

A year later, he helped set up a cultural organization, the Toronto Kurdish Community Information Centre.

However, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service considered it an organization that supported the PKK, the Kurdistan Workers Party.

The PKK is on the federal government's list of outlawed organizations because of its terrorist activities. Goven denies the allegations, and said they have never been proven, even after a CSIS review.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: Statement of Suleyman Goven

Goven's lawyer said it's time for the government to move ahead with his application for permanent residency.

"If they actually had evidence to support this (allegation) they should have moved against Suleyman a long time ago," said Andrew Brougher.

"He's been walking the streets for 14 years. They clearly don't think he represents any kind of a threat, otherwise they would have done something about it."

Goven said he's shocked to have to defend himself from allegations so many years later, something he was forced to do in more oppressive countries.

"You feel once, you escape from persecution or oppression, then you meet new oppressors in this democratic country," he said.