The Canadian government has formally designated the pro-Palestinian organization Samidoun as a terrorist entity, intensifying its crackdown on groups accused of promoting or financing extremism.
The decision was announced Tuesday after Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc requested an expedited national security review of the group. The move coincided with action by the United States, which added Samidoun and a Canadian citizen linked to the organization to its own counterterrorism sanctions list.
Samidoun, which operates under the name Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network, was listed under Canada’s Criminal Code. The designation makes it illegal to donate money or provide property to the group, while authorizing the seizure, restraint, or forfeiture of its assets. Financial institutions are also required to block access to any related funds.
In a regulatory notice, the government said Samidoun maintains close links with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, a group Canada has long classified as a terrorist organization.
U.S. authorities echoed those concerns. The U.S. Treasury Department said Samidoun functions as a “sham charity,” alleging it serves primarily as a fundraising vehicle for the Popular Front. American officials also listed Khaled Barakat, a Canadian citizen, describing him as part of the Popular Front’s leadership and international fundraising network.
According to U.S. statements, Samidoun is believed to be headquartered in Vancouver and to be presenting itself as a humanitarian organization while supporting violent activity against Israel.
Jewish advocacy groups welcomed the announcement. B’nai Brith called the listing “a decisive blow against the forces of hate and extremism,” urging continued vigilance against extremist networks operating in Canada.
The designation follows heightened scrutiny of Samidoun’s activities in recent months. The Vancouver Police Department last week opened a criminal investigation into a rally organized by the group, citing speeches that expressed solidarity with terrorist organizations. The demonstration marked the anniversary of the October 7 attacks on Israel and included chants and statements supporting Hamas and Hezbollah, both of which have been listed as terrorist entities in Canada for decades.
Samidoun director Charlotte Kates has previously faced legal trouble. She was arrested last year in connection with a hate crime investigation and later released on conditions to appear in court. Kates had earlier drawn controversy for publicly praising the October 7 attacks during a rally. Samidoun’s website states that Kates and Barakat are married.
Politically, the issue has drawn sharp reactions. Canada’s Conservative Party had pressed the government to act, citing Samidoun’s alleged ties to the Popular Front and rhetoric at its demonstrations calling for Israel’s destruction. The governing Liberals said the listing process requires careful legal review but acknowledged that Samidoun had been flagged for urgent assessment due to concerns about hate speech and extremist affiliations.
Samidoun did not immediately respond to requests for comment following Tuesday’s announcement.
