Canada, US designate pro-Palestine group Samidoun

By Merve Aydogan

HAMILTON, Canada (AA) - Canada and US on Tuesday designated pro-Palestine group Samidoun, also known as the Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network, a "sham charity."

According to a statement by US Department of the Treasury, Samidoun "serves as an international fundraiser for the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) terrorist organization."

The US also announced sanctions against the pro-Palestine group, saying that it has done so in coordination with the Canada, which also designated Samidoun as a "terrorist entity."

"Organizations like Samidoun masquerade as charitable actors that claim to provide humanitarian support to those in need, yet in reality divert funds for much-needed assistance to support terrorist groups," said Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley Smith in the statement.

Canada's Minister of Public Safety, Dominic LeBlanc, also said in a statement that Canada has listed Samidoun "as a terrorist entity under the Criminal Code."

"The listing of Samidoun as a terrorist entity under the Criminal Code sends a strong message that Canada will not tolerate this type of activity, and will do everything in its power to counter the ongoing threat to Canada’s national security and all people in Canada," LeBlanc said.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrote on X that Canada's move against Samidoun is "part of our joint work with the U.S. to expose terrorist activities and intercept their financing."

Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said on X that "Canada stands firm against terrorism and violent extremism."

"We will not tolerate any forms of hate or violence, including antisemitism in our country," she added.

The Samidoun group was previously listed as "terrorist entity" in Germany in November 2023, as it was accused of propaganda against Israel and Jews.