Hizb ut-Tahrir to host a conference in Canada amid global criticism

Hizb ut-Tahrir, a controversial group advocating for the establishment of a global Islamic caliphate, is set to host its annual conference in Mississauga, Ontario, on January 18. The theme of this year’s event is “The Khilafah (Caliphate): Eliminating the obstacles that are delaying its return.”

In a Facebook post promoting the event, Hizb ut-Tahrir described the conference as an opportunity to explore strategies for overcoming “Colonialist superpowers” such as the United States, Europe, Russia, and China. The group posed the provocative question, “Is America really so powerful that our Ummah (community) can’t defeat it?” Drawing historical parallels, they referenced the defeats of ancient superpowers like Rome and Persia, claiming their cities, such as Constantinople, are now “Muslim cities.”

The group’s statement continued, “What steps do we need to take to become victorious against today’s Colonialist superpowers? Learn what it will take for our Ummah to overcome America, Europe, Russia, China, and others from the position we’re in today. If you want to help create real change in our Ummah, then get this critical knowledge by attending, inshallah.” Sessions include “Nationalism and Regimes: Frontline enemies of Islam” and “Only the Khilafah will liberate Palestine: Everything else is a distraction”.

Its conference last year was cancelled as it was declared a terrorist organization in the UK. Announcing the banning order in January 2024, the then Home Secretary Mr Cleverly said: “Hizb ut-Tahrir is an antisemitic organization that actively promotes and encourages terrorism, including praising and celebrating the appalling 7 October attacks.

“Proscribing this terrorist group will ensure that anyone who belongs to and invites support for them will face consequences. It will curb Hizb ut-Tahrir’s ability to operate as it currently does.”

Hizb ut-Tahrir, which translates to “Party of Liberation,” is a group that operates under Sharia law and seeks to establish a global Muslim world governed by a caliphate. Founded in 1953 in then-Jordanian-controlled Jerusalem by Taqi al-Din al-Nabhani, a Palestinian Islamic scholar and former member of the Muslim Brotherhood, the group has been banned in numerous countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, Egypt, India, China, Indonesia, Russia, Turkey, and Bangladesh.

Despite being designated a terrorist organization in many parts of the world, Hizb ut-Tahrir continues to operate in Canada. Critics have expressed alarm over the group’s presence and activities in the country. Canadian Member of Parliament Kevin Vuong recently criticized Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government on social media, writing, “This is the story of the Justin Trudeau govt and his weak public safety ministers. Under their watch, Canada has become a safe haven for terrorist supporters. Countries have designated Hizb ut-Tahrir a terrorist group, why are they allowed to host a conference in Mississauga, Canada?”

The location of the conference has not been publicly disclosed. Attendees are required to register through Eventbrite, where they will receive details of the venue. Eventbrite has also received criticism for supporting an extremist event.

The resurgence of Hizb ut-Tahrir’s activities has raised concerns globally. For instance, India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) recently filed charges against Abdul Rehman and Mujibur Rehman, individuals linked to Hizb ut-Tahrir, for alleged terrorist activities in Tamil Nadu and other regions.

The Mississauga conference highlights the group’s ability to operate in certain regions despite widespread international condemnation. Critics argue that allowing such events provides a platform for extremist rhetoric and undermines global counterterrorism efforts. The Justin Trudeau government has also provided support to Khalistani separatists which has initiated a large spat with the Indian Government. Trudeau has accused senior members of the Modi government of transnational repression while the Government of India accuses Canada of sheltering terrorists and criminals engaged with Terrorism and organized crime in India under the excuse of political resistance.

As the conference date approaches, scrutiny of Hizb ut-Tahrir’s presence in Canada continues to grow fuelling broader discussions about national security and the limits of free expression in democratic societies. The Hizb ut Tahrir issue also questions the credentials of the Trudeau government which seems to have made a habit of sheltering terrorist organizations under the banner of free expression.