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TORONTO — There was drama and raw emotion at a refugee hearing Wednesday as a foreign citizen argued he was in need of Canada’s protection from his own government — but a sweeping publication ban prevents the National Post from revealing details of the person or his unusual case.

The person concerned testified all day before the Immigration and Refugee Board, at one point having to stop when he broke into tears and gasps, his face growing red and flustered, as he described his treatment abroad.

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As he tried to sip water from a cup in front of him, he could barely raise the paper cup to his lips because he remained handcuffed, with the cuffs then shackled to a wide restraint around his waist. Two guards watched over him.

IRB decision maker Patrick Roche told him to go slow and take deep breaths. After regaining his composure, the man explained why he was seeking refugee protection in Canada.

“I trust the Canadian justice system and the Canadian immigration system much more than in my own country,” the refugee claimant said.