I’ve been watching the online discussions regarding online claims by Hizb ut Tahrir Canada, the Canadian branch of Hizb ut-Tahrir, an international Islamic revolutionary organization.
Over the weekend, the group’s social media accounts claimed it was moving its conference from Mississauga to Hamilton. The statement did not list a location.
The Khilafah Conference 2025 promotes the establishment of a fundamentalist Islamic caliphate and the imposition of Sharia law.
The announcement quickly caused an uproar.
Mayor Parrish issued a statement after the move was announced, saying, “It appears that Hizb ut Tahrir conference of extremists had moved on to another City. Location in Hamilton to be decided. I’m pleased that the peaceful and respectful residents of Mississauga will not have to endure the fall out.”
On Monday, Mayor Andrea Horwath issued a statement against the event.
On Tuesday, the group posted a video on social media stating the event was returning to Mississauga. Tuesday’s video was filmed at Spencer Smith Park in Burlington.
A new registration link posted on the group’s website states they are meeting in Mississauga.
Municipalities can deny the use of municipal indoor facilities and regulate some outdoor public spaces.
However, because Hizb ut Tahrir is not a designated group, they cannot preemptively stop a gathering in private spaces.
City of Hamilton officials contacted Hamilton Police. Every is watching this organization, Eventbrite removed the original event link from its service, and media organizations are monitoring for developments.
Adrian Humphreys of the National Post provides a comprehensive summary of the organization, its role in an international movement, and the responses of politicians and community groups. Humphrey’s interviewed a former leader of the organziation’s British wing: Islamic group’s conference urging return of Muslim caliphate and Shariah law brings call for adding it to terror list