On Wednesday morning for the first time since his release from a Syrian prison in 2003, Canadian citizen Abdullah Almalki revisited a nightmare, effectively stepping back into the tiny, dirty cell where he spent more than a year of his life.
In 2002, Almalki was detained by Syrian authorities for 17 months. Three other Canadian citizens, including Maher Arar, were also held in the same Syrian prison as part of an apparent crackdown that followed the Sept. 11 attacks.
After they were freed, Canadian author Kerry Pither wrote a book chronicling their ordeal, titled "Dark Days: Four Canadians Tortured in the Name of Fighting Terror." She also commissioned Ottawa artist Jenn Farr and builder Erik Windfeld to create a life-sized model of the prison cell where Almalki was held.
"As I heard each of these men's stories, it became really clear to me that unless a person has survived torture, it's very difficult to comprehend how barbaric it is and how it destroys a human being," Pither told CTV's Canada AM on Wednesday.
"What I hoped is that by just standing inside for a few seconds, that it would help Canadians better understand the horrors of torture."
The actual cell was housed at the infamous Far Falastin Syrian military intelligence centre. Like the replica, it measures 3 feet by 6 feet by 7 feet.
"Basically I was buried alive," Almaki said, standing in the doorway of the replica in Ottawa. "This grave was my home for more than 16 months."
"I had absolutely nothing except the coldness of this cell in winter, the extreme heat in summer. Worst of all is the constant fear of being pulled out of this cell and being tortured physically."
Almaki then pointed out realistic details included in the art installation, such as mould growing on the walls, a shoe he used as a pillow, and small containers for food, water and urine.
Canadian Ahmad El Maati was locked into a similar cell at the same prison for two-and-a-half months before being sent to Egypt. Maher Arar was held next to El Maati for more than 10 months. A fourth Canadian, Muayyed Nureddin, was jailed in an over-crowded "common" cell around the same time.
More than a year ago, a report by the Iacobucci Inquiry concluded that Canada was indirectly complicit in the torture the men endured, by sharing information about the men with foreign agencies. But efforts to mediate a settlement for the men have stalled.
Pither said the replica is also intended as a way to pressure the government to negotiate restitution for the three Canadian who have not been compensated.
In January 2007, Maher Arar received a formal apology and an offer of $11.5 million in compensation from Ottawa. However, he's still on a U.S. no-fly list, as is Almaki and the others.
Last week, opposition parties passed a motion in the House of Commons demanding the government offer compensation and an apology to the three other men.
If no offer is presented, the trio may go to court to seek compensation and an apology. They say their careers have been ruined and their health compromised by the ordeal.
Pither has invited Prime Minister Stephen Harper to visit the replica, and will hold a press conference with several MPs and Alex Neve, secretary-general of Amnesty International, later on Wednesday.
