Mohamed Harkat says he is enjoying some simple freedoms after a Federal Court judge reduced his bail conditions earlier this week.
The terror suspect can go on an outing with his niece, his wife doesn't have to supervise him all day long and he can have private telephone conversations for the first time in nearly seven years. The government can no longer read his mail and he can have people visit his home without checking with authorities.
"It's a relief and I am delighted with this change for my life and for my family, too," Harkat told 麻豆影视 Channel, when listing off the changes in his life during a brief interview from Ottawa on Tuesday afternoon.
Harkat has lived under extremely strict bail conditions since he was arrested on terror charges in December 2002. Since then, Ottawa has been trying to deport the Algerian-born man using a national security certificate.
He said the last seven years were "a nightmare."
"I came to Canada in 1995 to have freedom, to have a life like anybody else, to build a future and the last seven years, it's all upside-down," Harkat said.
Harkat was originally held in custody from 2002 to 2004, but was later given house arrest.
He had a 10-page list of rules to abide by until Monday -- when Federal Court Justice Simon Noel reduced it to three pages of conditions.
Because Harkat is so well known to the public, he is now considered to be less of a threat.
Harkat still is not allowed to use a cell phone and the government is holding onto his passport. He also has to continue wearing a monitoring bracelet on his ankle, cannot talk to terrorists or other criminals and he must report to authorities on a weekly basis.
The Canadian Security Intelligence Service alleges that Harkat collaborated with al Qaeda, something he says in untrue.
Harkat has steadfastly proclaimed his innocence and says he is fighting to clear his name.
"It doesn't matter what the government is going to take, that's my goal to clear my name," Harkat said.
He said he still does not know why the government thinks he is an al Qaeda member.
"I can't see the evidence against me and what you see in the public, it's the same as me, I'm in the dark, too," he said.
Harkat said he hopes to one day find out why he was arrested in the first place.
Ottawa is trying to deport four other men -- Adil Charkaoui, Mahmoud Jaballah, Mohamed Zeki Mahjoub and Hasan Almrei -- using security certificates.
All four, just like Harkat, are fighting to stay in Canada.
With files from The Canadian Press
