Rima Hassan, a French Member of the European Parliament known for her controversial statements regarding Hamas and the Palestinian cause, was denied entry to Canada on March 29, 2026. Hassan had been scheduled to speak at two conferences in Montreal, but her travel authorization, initially approved by Canadian authorities, was later revoked.
The denial was attributed to her failure to disclose a prior visa refusal to Israel and a previous criminal offense. This is not the first time Hassan has faced travel restrictions; she was previously denied entry to Israel in February 2025. Although complaints were filed against her for glorifying terrorism, she was not convicted.
In response to the denial, B’nai Brith Canada and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs praised the decision, stating, “Canada is not a platform for those who justify terrorism, glorify violence, and deny Jewish history.” Conversely, Hassan claimed that her denial was influenced by pro-Israel lobbying organizations, asserting that it represents a troubling trend in restricting freedom of expression.
La France Insoumise, Hassan’s political party, condemned the entry denial, calling it a “worrying trend of restricting freedom of expression and movement of political representatives.” They emphasized the importance of allowing diverse political voices to be heard, particularly in democratic societies.
Despite the setback, Hassan confirmed she would deliver her conferences remotely, ensuring her voice remains part of the discourse surrounding her topics of interest. The Political Science Student Association of Concordia University expressed outrage over the ban, highlighting concerns about academic freedom and the implications for international dialogue.
Canadian authorities have not publicly detailed the specific reasons for the entry denial, leaving many observers questioning the transparency of the decision-making process. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the extent of lobbying influence on this outcome.
This incident raises significant questions about the balance between national security and freedom of expression, particularly for political figures with controversial views. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how this decision will impact future interactions between Canada and European political representatives.
