Canada Denies Entry to French Pro-Palestinian Activist Rima Hassan

Rima Hassan, a 33-year-old member of the European Parliament representing the far-left La France Insoumise party, was denied entry into Canada just before her scheduled travel to Montreal for two conferences. Hassan, a pro-Palestinian activist, claims that the Canadian authorities revoked her travel authorization due to her political views, specifically her outspoken criticism of Israel and support for Palestinian rights.

Montreal Gazette

Hassan had initially received approval for her travel authorization but was informed of a “sudden” review a day before her flight. She expressed her concerns on social media, stating that the decision represented a significant obstruction to parliamentary action and freedom of expression. The Canadian authorities cited her previous refusal of entry to Israel and allegations of criminal conduct related to her activism as reasons for the denial. Hassan contended that these allegations had not resulted in any convictions and were attempts to silence pro-Palestinian voices.

Montreal Gazette

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) welcomed the decision, emphasizing the need for vigilance against potential hate and incitement from foreign extremists. Similarly, B’nai Brith Canada expressed support for the denial, stating that they had alerted the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) regarding Hassan's planned visit. These organizations argue that the decision reflects a commitment to maintaining public safety.

Montreal Gazette

The decision has drawn criticism from various political figures. Québec solidaire Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Haroun Bouazzi, who was set to meet with Hassan, condemned the entry denial as a form of censorship imposed by those in power. He described it as a “culture of cancellation” against individuals who challenge authority. Additionally, Alexandre Boulerice, the New Democratic Party (NDP) MP for Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie, expressed concerns that the decision was politically motivated.

Montreal Gazette

Despite the travel denial, Hassan announced that she would deliver her addresses to the conferences remotely. The incident has sparked widespread discussion on social media, garnering significant attention and reactions from across the political spectrum. The Canada Border Services Agency did not provide a comment regarding the situation before publication.

Montreal Gazette

• “a worrying obstruction to parliamentary action and to freedom of expression.” — Rima Hassan, Member of the European Parliament

Montreal Gazette

• “He wrote in a Instagram post: “The true culture of cancellation is the one imposed by those in power on those who speak the truth in the face of authority.” — Haroun Bouazzi, Québec solidaire MNA

Montreal Gazette

• “the importance of vigilance in preventing extremists from abroad from spreading hate and incitement within our borders.” — Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs Statement

Montreal Gazette

This incident highlights the complexities surrounding freedom of expression, political activism, and national security in Canada, particularly in the context of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Montreal Gazette