On 16 January 2009, Masciola wrote:[4] The perception of pervasive torture now saddles the incoming administration and its efforts to set these proceedings on a just course.
There is only one way to begin changing that perception, and also the reality, of fundamental injustice: Withdraw the referrals now.Masciola stirred controversy in April 2009 when he fired William Kuebler, Guantanamo captive Omar Khadr's senior military counsel.
[1] Citing an unnamed source the Citizen reported that Masciola was "not at all pleased" to learn Parrish wanted to overrule him.
Masciola did not accept Parrish's ruling, and continued to decline to allow Keubler to meet with Khadr, to access the case file.
[2] Steven Edwards, writing in the Ottawa Citizen, reported that the Canadian government believed Khadr was entitled to representation by "counsel of his choice", and speculated that Masciola's actions may trigger diplomatic repercussions.