The government of Canada has formally condemned Hizb ut-Tahrir, and announced that the relevant agencies are "assessing" whether to follow countless other countries' lead and designate the group a terrorist entity.
The move comes amid backlash to the group's Khilafah (Caliphate) Conference, set to take place in Ontario on January 18.
"The Government of Canada remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting public safety and combating antisemitism and all forms of hate," Public Safety Minister David McGuinty said in a statement shared to X by Associate Minister Rachel Bendayan. "Reports of the upcoming Hizb ut-Tahrir conference scheduled for January 18, 2025 in Hamilton, Ontario are deeply concerning."
He went on to explain that the group "has a documented history of glorifying violence and promoting antisemitism and extremist ideology," including celebrating the October 7 massacre carried out by Hamas in Israel, describing their actions as "entirely contrary to the Canadian values of peace, inclusion, and respect for diversity."
"We unequivocally condemn their activities and the holding of such a conference — and call on the organizers to cancel their booking," McGuinty continued. "We have been assured that law enforcement agencies, including the RCMP, are monitoring the event closely and that all appropriate Canadian laws, including those pertaining to hate speech, will be enforced."
He added that security and intelligence agencies are "currently assessing Hizb ut-Tahrir for listing as a terrorist entity under Canadian law."
"Our government is resolute in its efforts to fight antisemitism and extremism in all its forms," McGuinty concluded. "We will continue to work with law enforcement and community partners to ensure the safety and security of all Canadians."
Hizb ut-Tahrir, which translates to "Party of Liberation," said the theme of the conference is "eliminating the obstacles that are delaying [the] return" of an Islamic caliphate.
Th group was founded in East Jerusalem in 1953 by Taqi al-Din al-Nabhani to advocate for a global Islamic caliphate that operates under Sharia Law. It has been banned in all Arab countries except Lebanon, Yemen, and the United Arab Emirates, as well as most of Central Asia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Russia, China, Turkey, Germany, and the UK.
The latter's home secretary deemed it "an antisemitic organization that actively promotes and encourages terrorism, including praising and celebrating the appalling 7 October attacks."