A French-Palestinian member of the European Parliament faced a setback in her plans to travel to Canada for conferences in Montreal as she claimed she was barred from entry. Rima Hassan expressed her disappointment online, labeling the incident as an act of censorship.
According to the far-left party La France Insoumise, Canadian authorities initially approved Hassan’s electronic travel authorization but later revoked it, citing her alleged failure to disclose previous visa issues and a criminal record. The party suggested that the denial might be linked to Hassan’s past entry denial to Israel and the backlash she has faced due to her pro-Palestinian stance and criticism of Israel.
Despite the entry denial, Hassan was set to participate in conferences focusing on pro-Palestinian advocacy and the rise of the far right. She announced that she would deliver her speeches remotely as an alternative. Community organizations in Montreal had invited her to attend these events.
NDP MP Alexandre Boulerice criticized the sudden reversal by Canadian authorities, suggesting a politically motivated decision to silence Hassan’s outspoken views on Palestinian matters. Québec Solidaire member Andrés Fontecilla called for transparency regarding the reasons behind the entry denial, emphasizing the importance of democratic debate and freedom of expression.
Advocacy groups met with the media to demand an explanation from the federal government regarding Hassan’s exclusion from Canada. Sophie Zhang of Quebec Doctors Against Genocide condemned the decision, contrasting it with the ease at which Israeli military members had previously visited Montreal.
Canada Border Services Agency maintained that border and immigration information is private and declined to provide further details. While Jewish advocacy groups like B’nai Brith supported the decision to bar Hassan, concerns were raised about the conferences proceeding despite her absence.
CIJA also welcomed the entry denial but expressed disapproval that the conferences would still proceed. The situation has sparked debates on censorship, freedom of expression, and political motivations surrounding the incident.