Canada's Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) has stated that Jamaat-e-Islami is not a terrorist organization and is not involved in any terrorist activities. This ruling rejects the allegations made by the Canadian government under Section 34(1)(F) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).
The decision comes after a two-year legal battle that began in 2022 following a report by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). The CBSA alleged that a man named Rahman was inadmissible to Canada because he was a member (Rokon) of Jamaat-e-Islami, arguing that Jamaat is involved in terrorism. However, the tribunal completely dismissed these allegations in its ruling today.
The significance of this ruling is substantial. The IRB's decision is considered a crucial and unprecedented verdict not only for Rahman but also for the reputation of Jamaat-e-Islami. The tribunal held two full days and an additional two and a half days of hearings. Thousands of pages of documents were reviewed during this time. Furthermore, testimony was taken from internationally recognized terrorism and South Asian political experts, all of whom testified in favor of Jamaat-e-Islami.
Key points from the tribunal's ruling include:
No Credible Evidence of Terrorism: The ruling explicitly states that there is no credible evidence linking Jamaat-e-Islami to involvement in terrorism.
Testimony of World-Renowned Experts Accepted: Three internationally recognized researchers testified under oath regarding terrorism, South Asian political movements, and Islamic organizations during the case. Their testimony was deemed credible, impartial, and consistent.
Political Context Considered: The tribunal noted in its observations that Jamaat-e-Islami has long been subjected to politically motivated allegations. In particular, those with differing political ideologies have engaged in propaganda against Jamaat for many years.
Positive Role Appreciated: The tribunal considered the political context following the August 2024 coup in Bangladesh and acknowledged Jamaat-e-Islami's positive role.
Commitment to the Rule of Law: This ruling underscores Canada's commitment to justice, integrity, and fairness, and emphasizes that an organization cannot be declared terrorist based solely on political pressure or the statements of foreign governments.
Legal Victory for Jamaat-e-Islami
Barrister Wasim Ahmed of OWS Law, who successfully represented Jamaat-e-Islami in the case, said regarding the verdict, "This ruling is a major victory for Jamaat-e-Islami in establishing its legal standing. It sends a clear message that allegations must be based on factual evidence and impartial assessment, not politically motivated perspectives."
In a written decision issued by the tribunal on February 26th, Rahman was declared completely innocent, and all allegations by the CBSA were dismissed. This ruling will set an important precedent for similar cases in the future, as political and religious organizations are often subjected to false accusations of terrorism and harassment.
