Over 40 Canadian groups urge govt to deny entry to RSS chief Bhagwat

By A Representative

More than 40 Canadian civil society, human rights, labour, and faith-based organizations are calling on Canada's Minister of Public Safety, Gary Anandasangaree, to deny entry to Mohan Bhagwat, chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), ahead of his reported visit to Canada scheduled for Aug. 31–Sept. 1, according to a news release issued by the Canadian Forum for Human Rights and Democracy in India (CFHRDI).

The coalition argues that Bhagwat's visit would pose risks to public safety and national security. In its statement, the groups describe the RSS as a far-right organization and cite allegations that it has been linked to religious freedom violations, harassment, and transnational repression. They also reference research characterizing the RSS as one of the world's largest far-right networks.

According to the release, the coalition submitted a briefing paper to the federal government outlining what it says are legal grounds under Canadian law to deny Bhagwat entry. The document reportedly cites alleged connections between RSS-affiliated entities and incidents of intimidation, harassment of Canadian academics and activists, and hate speech targeting minority communities.

A coalition representative, quoted in the release, urged Minister Anandasangaree to "enforce Canadian law to protect our communities from far-right extremism, hate speech, and foreign intimidation," adding that allowing Bhagwat into Canada would threaten vulnerable minority groups and undermine Charter rights.

The organizations backing the appeal include the Canadian Forum for Human Rights & Democracy in India, the Canadian Council of Indian Muslims, Canadians for Indian Democracy, the South Asian Dalit Adivasi Network, the World Sikh Organization, Independent Jewish Voices Canada, the Canadian Council of Muslim Women, the Asian Canadian Labour Alliance, and several other advocacy and community organizations.

As of the information provided in the release, neither the Government of Canada nor representatives of Mohan Bhagwat or the RSS had publicly responded to the coalition's request. Their responses would be necessary to present all sides of the issue.

The statement was issued by the Canadian Forum for Human Rights and Democracy in India (CFHRDI).

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