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Anas Altikriti, a prominent voice in Britain’s Muslim community, has recounted a troubling experience upon his arrival in Canada, where he was effectively barred from entering the country to address a convention in Toronto. His statement raises critical questions about freedom of expression and the implications of political tensions on immigration policies.
A Disputed Entry
The former president of the Muslim Association of Britain, Altikriti was scheduled to participate in the Muslim Association of Canada’s three-day annual convention. However, his plans were abruptly halted when immigration officers detained him for an extensive 11 hours at Toronto Pearson International Airport. Faced with the prospect of being forcibly removed, he opted to return to London instead.
In a detailed Facebook post, Altikriti described the exhausting interrogation he endured, asserting that the questioning was not routine but rather influenced by his controversial social media remarks following the October 7 attacks in Israel. Luke Reimer, a spokesperson for the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), confirmed that all individuals entering Canada undergo thorough scrutiny, yet he refrained from commenting on Altikriti’s specific case due to privacy regulations.
Criticism from the Muslim Community
The Muslim Association of Canada expressed outrage at the handling of Altikriti’s situation, calling for an explanation from Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree. The association highlighted Altikriti’s significant contributions to British civil society, emphasising that his visit was intended to foster dialogue and solidarity among Canadian Muslims.
They condemned the CBSA’s actions, describing them as an unacceptable weaponisation of government resources aimed at silencing dissenting voices. “Dr. Altikriti’s treatment raises grave concerns about freedom of speech and the targeting of those advocating for Palestinian rights,” the group stated, challenging the transparency and motivations behind the immigration process.
Altikriti’s Reflections
In his account, Altikriti reflected on his admiration for Canada, particularly noting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s previous stances on international issues. However, his experience has cast a shadow over that admiration. He described the questioning he faced as absurd, stating that the immigration officers repeatedly probed him about potential ties to narcotics or terrorist organisations, which he
