Canada is listing the pro-Palestinian group Samidoun as a terrorist group, while the U.S. has added a Canadian citizen affiliated with the organization to its counter-terrorism list.
Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc says Samidoun will now be listed under Criminal Code offences that ban people from donating or providing property to the group.
Samidoun is also known as the Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network, and Ottawa says it "has close links with and advances the interests of" another group that Canada already lists as a terrorist entity, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine.
Samidoun — a front organization that acts in association with terrorist groups like the PFLP — is now a listed terrorist entity in Canada and the United States.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) October 15, 2024
That’s part of our joint work with the U.S. to expose terrorist activities and intercept their financing.
Canada stands firm against terrorism & violent extremism.
— Mélanie Joly (@melaniejoly) October 15, 2024
By listing Samidoun as a terrorist entity, we reinforce our commitment to protecting Canadian communities at home & abroad.
We will not tolerate any forms of hate or violence, including antisemitism in our country. https://t.co/OoBWWGlFio
— David Eby (@Dave_Eby) October 15, 2024
Then why won't you do the right thing and have your Attorney-General pursue charges against Samidoun’s Charlotte Kates like the Vancouver Police Department recommended?
— John Rustad (@JohnRustad4BC) October 15, 2024
Enough twitter statements — it's time for action. #bcpoli https://t.co/gSXYXMMgJi
The U.S. Treasury Department is also listing Canadian citizen Khaled Barakat as an affiliate of a terrorist group, saying he is part of the Popular Front's leadership and fundraising.
American officials list Samidoun as being headquartered in Vancouver, and they say the group is masquerading as a humanitarian support charity that actually supports terrorism against Israel.
Samidoun did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Conservatives called last week for Samidoun to be listed as a terrorist entity, accusing the group of organizing several rallies in Canada where participants openly called for the destruction of Israel.
