Calgary Father Allegedly Taught Kidnapped Son to Hate Mother During Overseas Abduction
A Calgary father accused of kidnapping his young son and taking him overseas for two years allegedly taught the child to hate his mother, according to testimony presented during a bail hearing on Friday. The case involves serious allegations of international parental abduction and psychological manipulation of a vulnerable child.
Crown Prosecutor Details Allegations of Parental Alienation
Crown prosecutor Colin Schulhauser told the court that Muhammad Zia-Ur Rahman, 62, had completely alienated his son from the boy's mother during their time abroad. "The child has been completely alienated from his mother and has been taught to hate her," Schulhauser stated during proceedings at the Calgary Courts Centre.
The prosecutor painted a troubling picture of a father who allegedly funneled hundreds of thousands of dollars to Turkey, which authorities believe was the first stop on a multi-country journey before Rahman's eventual arrest in Mauritius last December. The financial transfers and property purchases abroad form a key part of the Crown's argument that Rahman represents a significant flight risk.
Defence Claims Permission for Travel, Cites Medical Reasons
Defence counsel Lakhwinder Sandhu presented a different narrative, claiming Rahman had written permission from the child's mother to take their son out of the country. "This trial will be a he said, she said. He's going to say I was allowed to travel with the child abroad," Sandhu told Justice Peter Barley.
The defence lawyer further explained that Rahman needed cash to obtain holistic medical treatments for his now seven-year-old son, who suffers from brain damage sustained in early childhood. "That's the reason he took only one child," Sandhu stated, attempting to provide context for the father's actions.
Multiple Citizenships and Financial Issues Complicate Bail Decision
Schulhauser emphasized Rahman's multiple citizenships as a significant concern, noting the accused holds citizenship in Turkey, Pakistan, Vanuatu, and Canada. "The accused has multiple citizenships with countries that do not have extradition agreements with Canada," the prosecutor warned.
Additional complicating factors include:
- Rahman's suspension from the Alberta College of Physicians and Surgeons over allegations he failed to engage with the governing body
- A request from Alberta Health for Rahman to return $1.6 million in billings
- The transfer of more than US$560,000 to Turkey
- Property purchases in Turkey
Bail Conditions Proposed and Rejected
Sandhu proposed strict bail conditions for his client, including:
- Prohibition from obtaining any travel documents
- A $15,000 cash deposit
- No contact with the mother, the allegedly kidnapped boy, or their three other children
However, Schulhauser argued that no conditions could reasonably guarantee Rahman would appear for trial. "There are multiple reasons for this accused to flee Canada if released, and there is no reasonable condition that can contain him," the prosecutor asserted.
Extradition and Upcoming Ruling
Rahman was detained in Mauritius after Calgary police say he was spotted at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramagoolam International Airport with his son. The defence pointed to Rahman's decision to waive extradition to Canada as evidence he's not a flight risk.
Justice Peter Barley will deliver his ruling on Monday regarding whether Rahman can be released on bail pending trial. The decision will weigh complex factors including international abduction allegations, parental alienation claims, multiple citizenship issues, and substantial financial transfers abroad.
The case highlights the devastating impact of international parental disputes on children and the legal challenges involved when allegations cross international borders. The court's upcoming decision will determine whether the accused father remains in custody while facing serious charges that could have long-lasting consequences for all family members involved.
