Toronto, Canada – March 25, 2025
In a landmark decision, the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) of Canada has formally ruled that Jamat-e-Islami is not a terrorist organization and has not engaged in any acts of terrorism. This ruling dismisses the allegations brought forth by the Canadian government under section 34(1)(f) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).
The decision comes after two years of intense legal battles following a 2022 report by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), which had claimed that an individual, Mr. Rahman, was inadmissible to Canada due to his association with Jamat-e-Islami. The CBSA alleged that the organization had links to terrorism, a claim that the tribunal has now firmly rejected.
Significance of the Ruling
The IRB’s decision is being hailed as a momentous and precedent-setting judgment, not just for Mr. Rahman, but also for the broader reputation of Jamat-e-Islami. The tribunal conducted two full days and two and a half additional days of hearings, meticulously reviewing thousands of pages of evidence submitted by both sides. Additionally, testimony was heard from internationally recognized experts in terrorism studies, South Asian political movements, and Islamic organizations, all of whom testified in support of Jamat-e-Islami.
The tribunal found that:
- No Credible Evidence of Terrorism: The ruling explicitly stated that there was no credible proof linking Jamat-e-Islami to terrorist activities.
- Respected Expert Testimony: Three world-renowned scholars specializing in terrorism and South Asian politics testified under oath, presenting objective and consistent evidence in favor of Jamat-e-Islami.
- Political Context Considered: The tribunal acknowledged that Jamat-e-Islami has been a target of politically motivated allegations, particularly from opposition parties in Bangladesh. It also took into account Bangladesh’s political landscape after the August 2024 elections, recognizing Jamat-e-Islami’s contributions to democratic and social efforts.
- Emphasis on Rule of Law: The decision reinforces Canada’s commitment to due process, fairness, and justice, stating that an organization cannot be labeled as terrorist based on political pressure or foreign government narratives.
A Legal Victory for Jamat-e-Islami
Barrister Washim Ahmed of OWS Law, who successfully represented Jamat-e-Islami in this case, emphasized the significance of this ruling, stating:
“This judgment is a major vindication of Jamat-e-Islami’s status from a legal perspective. It sends a strong message that allegations must be backed by credible, evidence-based assessments, not political motivations.”
The tribunal’s written decision, dated February 26, 2025, formally cleared Mr. Rahman and dismissed all CBSA allegations. A detailed analysis of the ruling is expected to be released soon.
This verdict is expected to have a far-reaching impact on similar cases, setting a precedent for protecting political and religious organizations from baseless terrorism allegations.
