A renowned academic and former UN special rapporteur disclosed being detained by customs officials in Toronto while en route to a conference addressing human rights violations against Palestinians. Richard Falk, a retired professor from Princeton University and former special rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, was headed to Ottawa to speak at the Palestine Tribunal focusing on Canadian Responsibility. The event, described as a “people’s tribunal,” aimed to analyze Canada’s involvement in the plight of Palestinians, particularly in Gaza over the past two years.
Upon reaching customs at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport with his wife, Falk reported that border agents confiscated their passports and escorted them to an interview room. The officials informed him that they needed to assess whether he and his wife posed a national security threat to Canada. Falk, who coincidentally celebrated his 95th birthday on that day, expressed surprise at the situation, mentioning it was a first in his extensive life experience. Following a four-hour interrogation concerning his conference participation, engagement in the Israel-Palestine conflict, and stance on Israel, Falk and his wife were eventually permitted entry into Canada.
When questioned about the incident, a spokesperson from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) declined to comment on specific cases, citing privacy laws. However, the spokesperson clarified that all travelers entering Canada undergo a secondary inspection, which is a routine part of the border clearance process and not indicative of any wrongdoing. Based on the interrogation topics, Falk speculated that his detention might have been linked to his involvement in the conference where he intended to discuss the significance of international law in the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Expressing disappointment, Falk criticized Canada’s perceived hostility towards the conference despite acknowledging Palestinian statehood. He highlighted the importance of open dialogue and democratic principles, stating that while Canada is not as restrictive as the U.S., there is room for improvement in supporting free speech and liberal values.
Azeezah Kanji, chair of the Palestine Tribunal on Canadian Responsibility, revealed that the organizers were alarmed upon receiving a distress call from Falk’s wife regarding the detention. This prompted them to engage with senior officials to secure Falk and his wife’s release. Kanji denounced the incident as outrageous, emphasizing the widespread concern and efforts made to address the situation.
Senator Yuen Pau Woo disclosed being contacted by the tribunal’s organizers on Thursday evening regarding the incident, leading him to reach out to the Minister for Public Safety’s office. Expressing shock over the treatment of two esteemed international law experts, Woo highlighted the inappropriateness of the incident, notably on Dr. Falk’s 95th birthday. In response to inquiries from CBC News, the Ministry of Public Safety redirected the query to the CBSA for clarification.
