CLARITy Coalition Applauds Cancellation of Terrorism Conference and Calls on Canada to Designate Hizb ut Tahrir as a Terrorist Organization

The CLARITy Coalition, an international network fighting extremist ideologies and advocating for democratic principles, calls on the Canadian government to join the United Kingdom, Germany, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, and numerous Arab states in formally designating Hizb ut Tahrir as a terrorist organization. This action would align Canada with the global consensus recognizing the extremist threat posed by the group and reinforce the country’s commitment to safeguarding public safety and democratic values.

Hizb ut Tahrir’s annual Khilafah conference, scheduled to take place at an undisclosed location in Ontario, was canceled following significant public outcry and leadership by the CLARITy Coalition to oppose Hizb ut Tahrir. This marks the second consecutive year the group has canceled the event, with last year’s cancellation occurring shortly after the U.K. government designated it as a terrorist organization. 

The group, whose explicit aim is the establishment of a global Islamic caliphate governed by sharia law, has a long history of promoting divisive and extremist ideologies, posing a direct threat to Canada’s security and societal harmony.

Opposing Extremism

Local officials, including Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish and Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath, played a key role in preventing the group from holding its event. Mayor Parrish stated that she would not permit “groups exhibiting ‘contempt or hatred’ in any form” in her city, while Mayor Horwath unequivocally refused “access to any group that engages in or promotes hatred or any form of divisive behavior.”

Hizb ut Tahrir, founded in 1953 by Palestinian jurist Sheikh Taqiuddin al-Nabhani, has been banned in at least 13 countries, including many Muslim-majority nations. Despite these restrictions, it operates in over 40 countries with millions of followers worldwide. Once considered one of Europe’s most powerful Islamist organizations, the group used London as its “European headquarters” until its activities were banned in the U.K.

In Canada, Hizb ut Tahrir claims to work toward preserving Islamic identity and promoting a global caliphate while rejecting liberal democracy and labeling Canadian soldiers as “war criminals.” The group’s rhetoric directly conflicts with Canada’s liberal and democratic principles, and its activities have heightened concerns about public safety and societal cohesion.

The CLARITy Coalition commends the proactive measures taken by Mississauga and Hamilton officials to prevent Hizb ut Tahrir’s event and acknowledges the importance of local actions in countering extremism. However, these measures are not enough. The coalition urges the Canadian government to take decisive action by listing Hizb ut Tahrir as a terrorist organization, joining the global effort to combat this group’s dangerous ideology.

Defending Democratic Values

A formal terrorist designation would send a clear message that Canada stands united with other democratic nations against groups that promote hatred and division. It would also demonstrate Canada’s commitment to upholding the values of human rights, tolerance, and the rule of law.

The CLARITy Coalition is committed to supporting efforts to counter extremist ideologies and fostering a safer, more inclusive world. Canada’s decisive action on Hizb ut Tahrir would be a significant step forward in this shared mission.


CLARITy (Champions for Liberty Against the Reality of Islamist Tyranny) is a global coalition founded by Muslims, ex-Muslims, academics, scholars, authors, and activists who stand for peace, democracy, liberty, and secular governance and who are deeply concerned by the continuing threat posed to these values by the actions and demands of Islamists in various places around the world. Find us on the web at https://www.claritycoalition.org and on X @CLARITyCoaltion