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Canada classifies “Proud Boys” as a terrorist group

Canada on Wednesday classified the right-wing extremist organization “Proud Boys” (“Proud Boys”) as a “terrorist group”. A corresponding proposal by the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) went to parliament at the end of January and was unanimously accepted by the MPs. Canada is the first country to run the group as a terrorist organization.

Members of the “Proud Boys” took part in the violent assault on the Washington Capitol on January 6th in order to disrupt the confirmation of the election of the new US President Joe Biden. An official statement said that the Proud Boys and their members had planned and carried out acts of violence against those they believed to be opponents of their ideology and openly encouraged such action.

The Canadian government also spoke of a neo-fascist group with semi-autonomous local chapters in the US, Canada and the rest of the world. Its members represent misogynist, Islamophobic, anti-Semitic, xenophobic views and the ideology of the supposed superiority of whites.

“Proud Boys” are also active in Canada

Canada’s move means the group’s assets will be frozen and face more draconian penalties for terrorism-related offenses. Membership of the Proud Boys does not necessarily lead to charges, said a government official, but criminal proceedings for terrorist crimes could be initiated if a Proud Boy participates in acts of violence.

The “Proud Boys” are considered to be particularly prone to violence. In the past year, the group had repeatedly fought violent clashes with left activists in the USA. Ex-US President Donald Trump had shown closeness to the Proud Boys during the election campaign. “Hold back and be ready,” Trump said to the group when the moderator asked him to take a stand.

The organization also has supporters in Canada. In 2017, five “Proud Boys” made negative headlines in the ranks of the Canadian Navy when they disrupted an indigenous celebration in Halifax. Dozens of international movements are on the terrorist list in Canada, including Al Qaeda, Hezbollah, the Taliban and the Islamic State (IS) militia.

(The essential / Karin Leuthold)



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