Ottawa, Canada – June 19, 2024 – In a move long-awaited by families of victims of Flight PS752, Canada designated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) a terrorist organization, following an announcement by Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc.
“This decision reflects the Iranian regime’s ongoing disregard for human rights and its efforts to destabilize the international order,” Minister LeBlanc said at a press conference.
The designation comes after years of pressure on the government, particularly following the downing of Ukrainian International Airlines Flight PS752 by the IRGC in January 2020. All 176 on board, including 55 Canadians and 30 permanent residents, were killed.
While welcoming the move, Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly warned of an “increased risk of arbitrary detention for Canadians in Iran.” She urged Canadians to avoid travel to Iran and for those currently there to leave.
The decision follows Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s commitment to the families of Flight PS752 victims. “We will continue working to hold the regime accountable,” he said at a recent ceremony.
The government had previously expressed concerns that designating the IRGC could harm Iranian dissidents in Canada who may have been forced to serve with the IRGC during mandatory military service.
The designation will bar thousands of Iranian officials, including senior IRGC members, from entering Canada. The IRGC is a powerful political, military, and economic force in Iran with close ties to the Supreme Leader. Its Quds Force, already designated a terrorist group, is known for its activities in the Middle East.
“This action sends a strong message,” Minister LeBlanc said. “Canada will combat the terrorist threat posed by the IRGC.” The designation also allows for investigations and potential removal of current and former Iranian officials in Canada.
