New Human Rights Commissioner Steps Down After External Review

Newly appointed human rights commissioner Birju Dattani has stepped down before starting in the role, Justice Minister Arif Virani has announced. Virani released on Aug. 12 the results of a third-party fact-finding review on Dattani’s previous comments and participation in activities critical of Israel. The review, conducted by law firm Filion Wakely Thorup Angeletti LLP, also looked at the hiring process. Virani said in a statement he had carefully reviewed the findings but he did not comment further on them, only saying they “speak for themselves.” “I received Mr. Dattani’s submissions in response to the report on August 1, 2024. I have accepted Mr. Dattani’s decision to step down as Chief Commissioner,” said Virani....