Canadian PM to Apologize to Families of Air India Bombing Victims

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper has prepared a heartfelt message to the families of the victims of the 1985 Air India bombing, which killed 329 people. On the 25th anniversary of the tragedy, Harper plans to convey a message of apology to the families, describing the bombing as the "single worst act of terrorism in Canadian history." He will also acknowledge the devastating impact of the attack on the families of the victims, many of whom are still seeking closure and compensation.

Key Takeaways:

• Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper will apologize to the families of the Air India bombing victims on the 25th anniversary of the tragedy.
• Harper's message will describe the bombing as the "single worst act of terrorism in Canadian history."
• The Canadian government has launched an inquiry into the tragedy, which recommended ex-gratia payment to the families of the victims and blamed the government for its failure to prevent the attack.
• The only person ever convicted in the case, Inderjit Singh Reyat, pleaded guilty to manslaughter in 2003.
• Suspected ringleader Talwinder Singh Parmar died in India in 1991, and two main surviving suspects, Ripudaman Singh Malik and Ajaib Singh Bagri, were acquitted in 2005.
• The Canadian government has acknowledged the devastating impact of the attack on the families of the victims, many of whom are still seeking closure and compensation.

Statistics:

• 329 people killed in the Air India bombing
• 25 years since the Air India bombing
• Only 1 person convicted in the case (Inderjit Singh Reyat)
• 2 main surviving suspects acquitted in 2005 (Ripudaman Singh Malik and Ajaib Singh Bagri)
• 25 years since the inquiry was launched into the tragedy
• Recommended ex-gratia payment estimated to be $10,000-$20,000 per family (CNW Group, June 18, 2010)

Sources:

• PTI, June 23, 2010
• Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), June 22, 2010
• CNW Group, June 18, 2010