Canadian Salim Alaradi detained nearly two years in U.A.E. returns home

TORONTO – A Canadian man who was detained for nearly two years in the United Arab Emirates has returned to Canada.

Salim Alaradi arrived at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport just before 6 p.m. on Monday, telling family, friends and media upon arrival that he was overwhelmed to be home after the last two years.

The 46-year-old Canadian of Libyan origin said he will need time to recover and get medical treatment before settling in Windsor, Ont., with his family and “enjoying a Canadian summer.”

Alaradi immigrated to Canada from the U.A.E. in 1998, living in Vancouver with his family. He decided to return to the U.A.E. in 2007 to run a home appliance business with his brother.

He and his family were on vacation within the U.A.E. when he was arrested in August 2014. After being held for months without being charged, Alaradi was put on trial early this year on terrorism charges, and pleaded not guilty.

Those charges were dropped in March and replaced with two lesser offences. Alaradi was found not guilty on May 30, clearing the way for his return to Canada. (CKLW)