Maher Arar makes Time list of 100 most influential people

Maher Arar has been selected by Time Magazine as one of the world's 100 most influential people.

In 2002, the Canadian citizen was deported by the U.S. to Syria where he was imprisoned and tortured.

In a statement issued through the Centre for Constitutional Rights, Arar says he is "very honoured" to be on the Time list and expresses gratitude to everyone who supported him "throughout this struggle for justice."

U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy pens a tribute to Arar in the magazine, which hits newsstands on Friday.

The Vermont senator says the Arar case "stands as a sad symbol" of how the U.S. has been too willing to sacrifice core principles in the name of security.

After a public inquiry exonerated the Syrian-born Canadian citizen of any suspected terrorist involvement last year, he was awarded a $10.5-million compensation package in January.

Arar and his wife and two children are moving back to Ottawa this summer after living in Kamloops, B.C., for the past year.