Canada designates Iran's Revolutionary Guard as a 'terrorist organization'

Canada has designated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization.

Canadian Minister of Public Safety Dominic LeBlanc announced in a statement that the Canadian government has added the IRGC to its list of terrorist entities under the Criminal Code, effective immediately.

Stating that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the IRGC has knowingly carried out, attempted to carry out, participated in, or facilitated a terrorist activity, or has knowingly acted on behalf of, at the direction of, or in association with an entity that carries out terrorist activity, LeBlanc explained that this decision sends a strong message that all tools will be used to combat the terrorist activities conducted by the IRGC.

Noting that following the decision, Canadian financial institutions will freeze the assets of individuals and entities owned or linked to the IRGC, LeBlanc said, "It is a crime for Canadians in Canada and abroad to knowingly deal with property owned or controlled by a terrorist group."

Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly warned following the decision that Canadians in Iran could be subject to arbitrary detention.

Joly stated, "My message is clear: For Canadians currently in Iran, it is time to return home. And for Canadians planning to travel to Iran, I have a word of advice: Do not go to this country."

Since October 2022, Canada has imposed sanctions on 200 Iranian individuals and 250 Iranian entities under the Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA) and the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (JVCFOA).

News Source: İHA