Accused in Sharif Rahman's Homicide Plan to Fight Extradition, Citing Canadian Prison Conditions
Three UK men charged in the death of Owen Sound restaurateur Sharif Rahman are fighting extradition, arguing that poor conditions in Canadian prisons would violate their human rights.
Three men charged in connection with the 2023 death of Owen Sound restaurant owner Sharif Rahman are planning to fight their extradition to Canada, citing concerns over conditions in Canadian prisons.
According to The Times (UK), lawyers representing Robert Evans, 24; his father, Robert Busby Evans, 47; and his uncle, Barry Evans, 54, told an Edinburgh sheriff court that extradition would breach their clients’ human rights due to overcrowding and inadequate healthcare in Ontario correctional facilities.
The defence has commissioned an expert report on Canadian prison conditions and is seeking assurances from Canadian authorities regarding where the accused would be held if extradited. One lawyer cited a recent outbreak of Strep A in an Ontario prison that reportedly resulted in the deaths of two inmates, as well as widespread concerns about overcrowding and access to healthcare.
The defence solicitor for Robert Evans Jr is reported to have said: “Overcrowding is common and there is a lack of appropriate space for prisoners.”
Sheriff Julius Komorowski has asked the Crown to obtain further information from Canadian authorities, including confirmation of which facility the men would be held in, and any assurances about conditions at that institution, The Times reported.
The three accused were arrested in Scotland in 2024 under international warrants issued by Canadian authorities. Robert Evans is charged with manslaughter, while his father and uncle are each charged with accessory after the fact to commit an indictable offence. They were reportedly visiting Canada on tourist visas at the time of the incident and left the country shortly afterward.
A preliminary hearing initially scheduled for April 3 was held in early April. A further preliminary hearing has now been scheduled for late April, and a full extradition hearing is set to take place on May 29, 2025, at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, according to the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service.
The extradition proceedings are being conducted under the UK Extradition Act 2003 and the UK-Canada framework established through the post-Brexit UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement. Canada is classified as a “Category 2” country under UK extradition law, meaning extradition requests require judicial approval and, ultimately, sign-off by Scottish Ministers.
The extradition case stems from a fatal altercation outside The Curry House, Rahman’s restaurant in downtown Owen Sound, on August 17, 2023. Rahman, a married father of one, was assaulted following a dispute over an unpaid bill and died of his injuries in hospital one week later.
Rahman was a deeply respected community member known for his generosity, leadership, and advocacy. After immigrating from Bangladesh, Rahman founded The Curry House in downtown Owen Sound, where he not only introduced South Asian cuisine to the local food scene but created a welcoming space that reflected his values of inclusivity and hospitality.
Rahman’s influence extended well beyond his restaurant. He served on the board of the YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce and was actively involved in various charitable and community initiatives, including local pandemic relief efforts. His commitment to equity and social justice earned him widespread admiration, and his loss was felt acutely across the city.
In the wake of his death, residents of Owen Sound and beyond rallied in support of his family. A community-organized fundraising campaign raised more than $250,000 to support his wife and young child. An academic scholarship was also established in his name, honouring his legacy by investing in future generations.
Rahman is remembered not only for his contributions to the local economy and culture, but for the compassion and leadership he demonstrated in his everyday life — values that continue to resonate throughout the community he helped strengthen.
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The Rahman family & friend & our community need closure on this very sad situation, Get those guys over here!