Rima hassan barred from entering canada, denounces ‘attempted censorship’

Sunday 29 March 2026 - 08:06

French Member of the European Parliament Rima Hassan has claimed she was prevented from entering Canada, describing the situation as an “attempted censorship.” The politician and activist, known for her pro-Palestinian positions, was scheduled to attend two conferences in Montreal in the coming days.

According to her statements on social media, her electronic travel authorization (eTA) had initially been approved by Canadian authorities before being revoked just one day prior to her departure. The sudden reversal has sparked strong reactions from her political movement, La France insoumise (LFI), which condemned what it described as censorship and alleged lobbying by pro-Israeli organizations.

Rima Hassan was expected to speak at Concordia University in Montreal, where she had been invited to participate in two discussions. The first focused on what organizers described as attempts to silence voices supporting the Palestinian cause, while the second addressed resistance to the rise of far-right ideologies and extremism.

The events were set to include representatives from progressive political groups such as Canada’s New Democratic Partyand Québec solidaire, reflecting a broader debate on freedom of expression and political activism.

The incident raises questions about the balance between national security policies and freedom of speech, particularly when it involves elected officials and international engagements. Canadian authorities have not publicly detailed the reasons behind the revocation of the travel authorization.

For supporters of Rima Hassan, the decision illustrates growing tensions around political discourse related to the Middle East. Critics, however, argue that states retain full sovereignty over entry decisions, especially in sensitive geopolitical contexts.

As the controversy unfolds, the case is likely to fuel wider debates on political freedoms, international mobility, and the limits of activism on the global stage.