This decision marks a pivotal moment in Canada’s strategy to combat global terrorism and hold the Iranian regime accountable for its actions.
Minister LeBlanc articulated the rationale behind this move, highlighting the IRGC’s direct involvement in terrorist activities and collaborations with other terrorist organizations. “Listing the IRGC sends a strong message that Canada will use all tools at its disposal to combat the terrorist activity of the IRGC,” stated LeBlanc.
This designation imposes stringent financial measures against the IRGC, compelling Canadian financial institutions to freeze any assets owned or controlled by the group. It also criminalizes any transactions with IRGC-controlled property by individuals in Canada or Canadian citizens abroad. These measures aim to dismantle the IRGC’s financial networks and curtail any potential support from sympathizers within Canada.
Today, our government announced the listing of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist entity under Canada’s Criminal Code. pic.twitter.com/WxaGHx9SKQ
— Dominic LeBlanc (@DLeBlancNB) June 19, 2024
The inclusion of the IRGC in the terrorist list is expected to bolster the efforts of Canadian security, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies. It provides a legal framework to facilitate the prosecution of terrorism-related offenses and counter-terrorist financing. This move is seen as a critical component in safeguarding Canadian interests and upholding international peace and security.
Canada’s actions against the Iranian regime have been comprehensive. Before this latest designation, Canada had already listed several terrorist entities supported by the IRGC, such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Taliban. Additionally, in 2019, Canada added three more Iran-backed groups to the terrorist list: the Al-Ashtar Brigades, Harakat al-Sabireen, and the Fatemiyoun Division. In November 2022, Canada took the unprecedented step of designating the Iranian clerical regime as engaged in terrorism and systematic human rights violations, barring thousands of senior Iranian officials, including top IRGC members, from entering the country.
Canada's designation of the #IRGC as a terrorist entity is a commendable step, deserving congratulations to the parliament and government of #Canada.
The Iranian Resistance has been advocating for this designation for years. This measure is essential in response to four decades… pic.twitter.com/ihFFWrgYwK— Maryam Rajavi (@Maryam_Rajavi) June 19, 2024
Since October 2022, Canada has imposed 18 rounds of sanctions targeting individuals and entities implicated in severe human rights abuses and threats to international stability. These sanctions have led to the freezing of the assets of 200 Iranian individuals and 250 Iranian entities in Canada.
Minister LeBlanc reiterated Canada’s unwavering commitment to human rights and international stability. “The Iranian regime has consistently displayed a complete disregard for human rights, both inside and outside Iran, as well as a willingness to destabilize the international rules-based order. Our government will always promote human rights and take action against those seeking to disrupt our way of life,” LeBlanc affirmed.
The decision has garnered support from international human rights advocates. Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), praised Canada’s action, describing it as a necessary response to decades of the Iranian regime’s oppression and terrorism.
“This measure is essential in response to four decades of suppression, terrorism, and warmongering by the regime,” Rajavi remarked, underscoring the widespread calls for accountability for Iran’s numerous human rights violations. Canada’s designation of the IRGC as a terrorist entity represents a firm stance against terrorism and a commitment to defending human rights, setting a precedent for other nations to follow in the global fight against terrorism.
MEK Iran (follow us on Twitter and Facebook), Maryam Rajavi’s on her site, Twitter & Facebook, NCRI (Twitter & Facebook), and People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran – MEK IRAN – YouTu
