Canada imposes border controls on individuals supporting Palestinian cause

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Several international scholars and speakers were subjected to immigration scrutiny at Toronto Pearson Airport before attending the Muslim Association of Canada’s annual convention. According to MAC, many had their electronic travel authorizations delayed for months or cancelled shortly before departure, while others had visas revoked without notice.

Some individuals reported being interrogated for hours, denied access to basic necessities such as water, and refused permission to pray. Former South African ambassador Ebrahim Rasool stated that his Canadian questioning reminded him of apartheid-era interrogations, although in a less overtly coercive form.

British Muslim commentator Anas Altikriti spent 11 hours under questioning before ultimately abandoning efforts to enter Canada. These incidents are not isolated cases; similar events have occurred in the past, including the denial of entry to French Palestinian member of the European Parliament Rima Hassan and former United Nations Special Rapporteur Richard Falk.

In November, Falk and his wife Hilal Elver were detained and interrogated for hours at Toronto Pearson Airport before attending a tribunal on Canadian responsibility in Ottawa. Officials reportedly questioned them extensively about their work on Gaza, criticism of Israeli policy, and participation in the tribunal.

These incidents have raised concerns about the treatment of critics of Israel and advocates for Palestinian rights in Canada. The Canadian government has been accused of creating a climate where dissent is viewed with suspicion.

A network of pro-Israel advocacy organizations and lobbying groups has reportedly worked to marginalize Palestine solidarity activism in Canada. These groups, including HonestReporting Canada, B’nai Brith Canada, and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, have pressured universities, media outlets, public institutions, and governments to cancel speakers, investigate activists, and stigmatize criticism of Israel.

In recent days, several of these groups and commentators have campaigned against invited speakers at the MAC convention, urging venues and authorities to intervene.

Source: Al Jazeera