International Law

Blacklisted - World Tamil Movement

By immlawyer

Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day has announced that the World Tamil Movement is the newest addition to Canada's blacklist of terrorist organizations. The WTM is accused of being a front, or raising funds for the LTTE, aka the Tamil Tigers who have been fighting for an independant state in Sri Lanka since 1983.

The fight for independance in Sri Lanka, combined with the extensive funds provided by expats now living in Canada is another example of a challenge to Canada's multiculturalism. It seems that notwithstanding their new ties to a new country, individuals and groups remain committed to their country of origin, such commitment including perpetrating acts of violence and terrorism.

A Toronto Sun article indicates that the Canadian Tamil Congress has indicated that it is "disturbed" and "saddened" by the governments' actions.

The Toronto Star on the other hand, indicated the positive response to the announcement by the GTA Tamil population:

Yesterday's announcement brought quiet joy and relief to many of the GTA's Tamil population, although few dared celebrate, said Lenin Benedict, secretary of the Canadian Democratic Tamil Cultural Association.

The organization promotes pluralism in Ontario's Tamil community and a peaceful resolution to the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka.

"Everybody is happy inside, but most people will not come out, frankly, out of fear (of retribution)," he said, noting people's concerns for family members here and abroad, or for their businesses.

Full post as published by Canadian Immigration Blawg on June 17, 2008 (boomark / email).