Canada's deputy PM calls IRGC a ‘terrorist organisation’ as travel bans unveiled


Joyce Karam
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A top Canadian official on Friday declared Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps a terrorist organisation, as she unveiled sweeping travel sanctions on the group's members.

“The IRGC leadership are terrorists, the IRGC is a terrorist organisation,” Canadian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland said.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government will be imposing immigration restrictions on the Iranian regime.

About half of the organisation's members — some 10,000 people — “will be inadmissible to Canada forever”, he said.

“We will be pursuing a listing of the Iranian regime, including the IRGC leadership, under the most powerful provision of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act,” Mr Trudeau said.

He added that the decision was permanent.

The US listed the IRGC as a terrorist organisation in 2019 under Donald Trump. President Joe Biden's administration has declined Tehran's request to delist the force as a condition of reviving the nuclear deal.

The Canadian government's move falls short, however, of a terrorist designation.

Instead, the government is using provisions under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Irpa) to target members of the regime and the IRGC, the CBC reported.

A majority in the Canadian Parliament passed a motion in 2018 calling on the government to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organisation, but Mr Trudeau remains reluctant to do so, reportedly over security fears.

This week, conservative leader Pierre Poilievre urged the government again to make the designation.

  • Demonstrators chant slogans during the March of Solidarity for Iran in Washington. AFP
    Demonstrators chant slogans during the March of Solidarity for Iran in Washington. AFP
  • Another group of demonstrators at the march. AFP
    Another group of demonstrators at the march. AFP
  • A protest in support of Iranian women in Barcelona. Reuters
    A protest in support of Iranian women in Barcelona. Reuters
  • Iranian citizens and locals joined in the Barcelona protest. Reuters
    Iranian citizens and locals joined in the Barcelona protest. Reuters
  • People attend a demonstration in solidarity with Mahsa Amini and other Iranian women in Castello Square, Turin. EPA
    People attend a demonstration in solidarity with Mahsa Amini and other Iranian women in Castello Square, Turin. EPA
  • A person places a candle during the demonstration in Turin. EPA
    A person places a candle during the demonstration in Turin. EPA
  • A protester holds a pre-Islamic Revolution Iranian flag during a demonstration in Brussels in support of the Iranians fighting for their freedom. AFP
    A protester holds a pre-Islamic Revolution Iranian flag during a demonstration in Brussels in support of the Iranians fighting for their freedom. AFP
  • A protester wearing a top with a logo that reads 'No to an Islamic state" as she takes part in a rally in support of the Iranian people, in Brussels. AFP
    A protester wearing a top with a logo that reads 'No to an Islamic state" as she takes part in a rally in support of the Iranian people, in Brussels. AFP
  • People wave the Shah-era Iranian flag during a protest in Paris. AFP
    People wave the Shah-era Iranian flag during a protest in Paris. AFP
  • A woman shows her true colours in the protest against the Iranian government, in Paris. AFP
    A woman shows her true colours in the protest against the Iranian government, in Paris. AFP
  • A woman holds a flag, as people protest against the Iranian regime outside Iran's embassy in central London. Reuters
    A woman holds a flag, as people protest against the Iranian regime outside Iran's embassy in central London. Reuters
  • Supporters of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) carry placards and wave party flags in Beirut, during a protest against the death of Ms Amini. EPA
    Supporters of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) carry placards and wave party flags in Beirut, during a protest against the death of Ms Amini. EPA
  • People demonstrate against the Iranian government outside the Houses of Parliament in London following the death of Amini. Reuters
    People demonstrate against the Iranian government outside the Houses of Parliament in London following the death of Amini. Reuters
  • A mural in Paris depicts women cutting their hair to show support for Iranian protesters. AP
    A mural in Paris depicts women cutting their hair to show support for Iranian protesters. AP
  • People take part in a rally against the Iranian government in Vancouver, Canada, on Saturday. AP
    People take part in a rally against the Iranian government in Vancouver, Canada, on Saturday. AP
  • Protesters take to the streets of Tehran. EPA
    Protesters take to the streets of Tehran. EPA
  • Iranian protesters run after clashing with with police. EPA
    Iranian protesters run after clashing with with police. EPA
  • A protester shaves their head outside the Houses of Parliament in London. Reuters
    A protester shaves their head outside the Houses of Parliament in London. Reuters
  • Iranians living in Athens hold a protest in solidarity. AFP
    Iranians living in Athens hold a protest in solidarity. AFP
  • People take part in a rally in The Hague. AFP
    People take part in a rally in The Hague. AFP
  • A woman cuts her hair during a demonstration in Santiago, Chile, by feminist groups and Iranian migrants in support of Iranian women following the death of Amini. AFP
    A woman cuts her hair during a demonstration in Santiago, Chile, by feminist groups and Iranian migrants in support of Iranian women following the death of Amini. AFP
  • Members of feminist groups and Iranian migrants during the protests in Santiago. AFP
    Members of feminist groups and Iranian migrants during the protests in Santiago. AFP
  • Iranian activists shout slogans during a protest against the government in Tehran, in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. EPA
    Iranian activists shout slogans during a protest against the government in Tehran, in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. EPA
  • A protester holds a painted portrait of Mahsa Amini in Berlin, Germany. EPA
    A protester holds a painted portrait of Mahsa Amini in Berlin, Germany. EPA
  • A protester shows red paint on her face, resembling blood splatters and bloody handprints next to the national Iranian emblem, during a rally in Berlin. EPA
    A protester shows red paint on her face, resembling blood splatters and bloody handprints next to the national Iranian emblem, during a rally in Berlin. EPA
  • Iranian protesters shout slogan during a protest in Istanbul, Turkey. EPA
    Iranian protesters shout slogan during a protest in Istanbul, Turkey. EPA
  • A woman holds a sign during a protest against the Iranian government, in front of the country's embassy in Madrid, Spain. The protests were triggered by the death of a young Iranian woman, Mahsa Amini, in police custody. Reuters
    A woman holds a sign during a protest against the Iranian government, in front of the country's embassy in Madrid, Spain. The protests were triggered by the death of a young Iranian woman, Mahsa Amini, in police custody. Reuters
  • A woman cuts her hair during the protest in front of the Iranian embassy in Madrid. Reuters
    A woman cuts her hair during the protest in front of the Iranian embassy in Madrid. Reuters
  • Israelis show their support for women in Iran as they hold up placards of Amini during a protest in Jerusalem. EPA
    Israelis show their support for women in Iran as they hold up placards of Amini during a protest in Jerusalem. EPA
  • Amini, 22, was arrested in Tehran on September 13, 2022, by the morality police. She fell into a coma while in police custody and was declared dead on September 16. EPA
    Amini, 22, was arrested in Tehran on September 13, 2022, by the morality police. She fell into a coma while in police custody and was declared dead on September 16. EPA
  • People walk by graffiti in support of the protests triggered by Amini's death, in Jerusalem. EPA
    People walk by graffiti in support of the protests triggered by Amini's death, in Jerusalem. EPA
  • A protest in Nantes, western France, after the death of Amini in Iranian police custody. AFP
    A protest in Nantes, western France, after the death of Amini in Iranian police custody. AFP
  • Women gather for a demonstration in Barcelona, Spain. AFP
    Women gather for a demonstration in Barcelona, Spain. AFP
  • Demonstrators in Nantes. Amini's death has sparked a global protest movement. AFP
    Demonstrators in Nantes. Amini's death has sparked a global protest movement. AFP
  • Women protest outside the town hall in in Montpellier, southern France. AFP
    Women protest outside the town hall in in Montpellier, southern France. AFP
  • A woman at a protest in Catalunya Square, Barcelona. Reuters
    A woman at a protest in Catalunya Square, Barcelona. Reuters
  • Campaigners and football fans protest at a Champions League match between Porto and Bayer Leverkusen at the Dragao stadium in Portugal. EPA
    Campaigners and football fans protest at a Champions League match between Porto and Bayer Leverkusen at the Dragao stadium in Portugal. EPA
  • People hold placards during a demonstration in solidarity with the Iranian people near the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France. EPA
    People hold placards during a demonstration in solidarity with the Iranian people near the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France. EPA
  • An Iranian woman living in Turkey with 'Freedom' written on her forehead takes part in a protest near the Iranian consulate in Istanbul. Reuters
    An Iranian woman living in Turkey with 'Freedom' written on her forehead takes part in a protest near the Iranian consulate in Istanbul. Reuters
  • In Barcelona, protesters take part in a demonstration in support of Iranian women. AFP
    In Barcelona, protesters take part in a demonstration in support of Iranian women. AFP
  • A Lebanese activist takes part in a protest in Beirut, triggered by the death of Amini, 22. AP
    A Lebanese activist takes part in a protest in Beirut, triggered by the death of Amini, 22. AP
  • A Turkish protester takes off her head scarf while giving a performance in Instanbul during a protest against Iran over Amini's death. Getty
    A Turkish protester takes off her head scarf while giving a performance in Instanbul during a protest against Iran over Amini's death. Getty
  • A woman in Istanbul cuts her hair during a protest against Iran. Getty
    A woman in Istanbul cuts her hair during a protest against Iran. Getty
  • A Lebanese activist holds a poster depicting Amini during a protest in Beirut organised by feminist groups in support of women protesters in Iran. EPA
    A Lebanese activist holds a poster depicting Amini during a protest in Beirut organised by feminist groups in support of women protesters in Iran. EPA
  • Demonstrators in Los Angeles, California, hold the Iranian flag during a protest against the government in Tehran. AFP
    Demonstrators in Los Angeles, California, hold the Iranian flag during a protest against the government in Tehran. AFP
  • Demonstrators hold placards in Mexico City during a protest against Iran. Reuters
    Demonstrators hold placards in Mexico City during a protest against Iran. Reuters
  • People demonstrate in Montreal, Canada, during a protest triggered by Amini's death. AFP
    People demonstrate in Montreal, Canada, during a protest triggered by Amini's death. AFP
  • Iranian Americans participate in a rally in central Los Angeles, in solidarity with women in Iran. AP
    Iranian Americans participate in a rally in central Los Angeles, in solidarity with women in Iran. AP
  • Demonstrators march during a protest in Los Angeles, California. AFP
    Demonstrators march during a protest in Los Angeles, California. AFP
  • A woman with the colours of the Iranian flag painted on her face participates in a rally as thousands demonstrate in support of Iranian women in Los Angeles. EPA
    A woman with the colours of the Iranian flag painted on her face participates in a rally as thousands demonstrate in support of Iranian women in Los Angeles. EPA
  • Australians protest over Amini's death in Melbourne. EPA
    Australians protest over Amini's death in Melbourne. EPA
  • Police block protesters from entering Iran's embassy in Oslo, Norway. EPA
    Police block protesters from entering Iran's embassy in Oslo, Norway. EPA
  • Demonstrators in front of the European headquarters of the UN in Geneva, Switzerland, during a rally against Iran. EPA
    Demonstrators in front of the European headquarters of the UN in Geneva, Switzerland, during a rally against Iran. EPA
  • A candlelight vigil for Amini in Los Angeles. AFP
    A candlelight vigil for Amini in Los Angeles. AFP
  • Afghan women hold placards as they take part in a protest in front of the Iranian embassy in Kabul. AFP
    Afghan women hold placards as they take part in a protest in front of the Iranian embassy in Kabul. AFP
  • Protestors take part in a rally outside the Iranian consulate in Istanbul. AFP
    Protestors take part in a rally outside the Iranian consulate in Istanbul. AFP
  • An Iranian woman shows a lock of hair she cut off during a protest outside the Iranian consulate in Istanbul. EPA
    An Iranian woman shows a lock of hair she cut off during a protest outside the Iranian consulate in Istanbul. EPA
  • Demonstrators outside the Iranian consulate in Istanbul. Getty
    Demonstrators outside the Iranian consulate in Istanbul. Getty
  • Iranian Americans rally on Capitol Hill in Washington to show support for protesters in Iran. AFP
    Iranian Americans rally on Capitol Hill in Washington to show support for protesters in Iran. AFP
  • Protesters on Capitol Hill hold a sign condemning the crackdown by Tehran. AFP
    Protesters on Capitol Hill hold a sign condemning the crackdown by Tehran. AFP
  • German demonstrators gather in Berlin after the death of Amini in Iranian police custody. AP
    German demonstrators gather in Berlin after the death of Amini in Iranian police custody. AP
  • A protester cries during a rally in Berlin. Reuters
    A protester cries during a rally in Berlin. Reuters
  • A demonstration in Madrid, Spain. Thousands have gathered in cities across Europe to support protests in Iran. AP
    A demonstration in Madrid, Spain. Thousands have gathered in cities across Europe to support protests in Iran. AP
  • Demonstrators gather outside the Iranian embassy in Madrid. Reuters
    Demonstrators gather outside the Iranian embassy in Madrid. Reuters
  • People take part in a protest in Lausanne, Switzerland. EPA
    People take part in a protest in Lausanne, Switzerland. EPA
  • Protesters hold signs featuring images of Amini during the protest in the western Swiss city. EPA
    Protesters hold signs featuring images of Amini during the protest in the western Swiss city. EPA
  • Demonstrators in front of the Iranian embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. EPA
    Demonstrators in front of the Iranian embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. EPA
  • An activist outside the Iranian embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina, with a sign that reads 'Justice for Mahsa Amini'. AFP
    An activist outside the Iranian embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina, with a sign that reads 'Justice for Mahsa Amini'. AFP
  • A demonstration against violence in Iran is held in Quito, Ecuador. The Iranian community in Ecuador protested outside the Iranian embassy. EPA
    A demonstration against violence in Iran is held in Quito, Ecuador. The Iranian community in Ecuador protested outside the Iranian embassy. EPA
  • Protesters at a demonstration outside the Iranian embassy in Quito, Ecuador. EPA
    Protesters at a demonstration outside the Iranian embassy in Quito, Ecuador. EPA

Friday's sanctions come as protests in Iran approach their fourth week over the death of Mahsa Amini, who died in police custody after improperly wearing her headscarf.

Human rights organisations have reported that hundreds may have been killed or injured in the protests.

On Thursday, Amnesty International accused Iranian security forces of killing at least 66 people, including children, and injuring “hundreds of others after firing live ammunition, metal pellets and teargas at protesters, bystanders and worshippers during a violent crackdown” after Friday prayers in Zahedan, as well as Sistan and Baluchestan provinces.

The President's Cake

Director: Hasan Hadi

Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem 

Rating: 4/5

The major Hashd factions linked to Iran:

Badr Organisation: Seen as the most militarily capable faction in the Hashd. Iraqi Shiite exiles opposed to Saddam Hussein set up the group in Tehran in the early 1980s as the Badr Corps under the supervision of the Iran Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC). The militia exalts Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei but intermittently cooperated with the US military.

Saraya Al Salam (Peace Brigade): Comprised of former members of the officially defunct Mahdi Army, a militia that was commanded by Iraqi cleric Moqtada Al Sadr and fought US and Iraqi government and other forces between 2004 and 2008. As part of a political overhaul aimed as casting Mr Al Sadr as a more nationalist and less sectarian figure, the cleric formed Saraya Al Salam in 2014. The group’s relations with Iran has been volatile.

Kataeb Hezbollah: The group, which is fighting on behalf of the Bashar Al Assad government in Syria, traces its origins to attacks on US forces in Iraq in 2004 and adopts a tough stance against Washington, calling the United States “the enemy of humanity”.

Asaeb Ahl Al Haq: An offshoot of the Mahdi Army active in Syria. Asaeb Ahl Al Haq’s leader Qais al Khazali was a student of Mr Al Moqtada’s late father Mohammed Sadeq Al Sadr, a prominent Shiite cleric who was killed during Saddam Hussein’s rule.

Harakat Hezbollah Al Nujaba: Formed in 2013 to fight alongside Mr Al Assad’s loyalists in Syria before joining the Hashd. The group is seen as among the most ideological and sectarian-driven Hashd militias in Syria and is the major recruiter of foreign fighters to Syria.

Saraya Al Khorasani:  The ICRG formed Saraya Al Khorasani in the mid-1990s and the group is seen as the most ideologically attached to Iran among Tehran’s satellites in Iraq.

(Source: The Wilson Centre, the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation)

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How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Updated: October 07, 2022, 8:40 PM