The Harper Government announces the addition of the Islamic State - Sinai Province to the Criminal Code list of terrorist entities

OTTAWA, April 8, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - The Honourable Steven Blaney, Canada's Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, today announced the addition of the so-called Islamic State – Sinai Province (ISSP) to the Criminal Code list of terrorist entities.

The primary targets of the ISSP include the Egyptian military and security services, Israeli interests, and economic interests. The ISSP has carried out repeated attacks against security forces, politicians, and civilians in Egypt using small arms, improvised explosive devices, vehicle-born improvised explosive devices, and, in at least one case, a surface-to-air missile. Further to its pledge of allegiance to ISIL in November, 2014, the organization has expanded targets to include tourist sites, Western interests, Western embassies, and the media.

The Criminal Code allows for severe penalties for persons and organizations that deal in the property or finances of a listed entity. In addition, it is a crime to knowingly participate in, or contribute to, any activity of a listed entity for the purpose of enhancing the ability of the entity to facilitate or carry out a terrorist activity. This offence and related offences are set out, in full, in the Criminal Code.

Quick Facts

• The ISSP is a terrorist group operating primarily in the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt, in existence since 2011.
• The group was previously known as Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis, but pledged allegiance to the ISIL on November 10, 2014, and now identifies itself as ISIL's province in the Sinai.
• In July, 2012, this entity claimed responsibility for 13 attacks on the Trans-Sinai pipeline to Israel over the previous 18 months.
• On February 16, 2014, this entity bombed a tour bus in Taba (in the Sinai Peninsula) killing 4 and injuring 13; the group also killed an American petroleum expert during a carjacking in August, 2014.

Quotes

"The world is a dangerous place and, as most brutally demonstrated by last October's attacks in Ottawa and Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Canada is not immune to the threat of terrorism. The listing of terrorist entities under the Criminal Code sends a strong message that Canada will not tolerate terrorist activity, and will do everything in its power to counter terrorist financing and those who would support terrorist activities. Our Government is firmly committed to the security of Middle Eastern countries, including Egypt and Israel. We will not be intimidated by the cowardly acts of terrorist groups like ISIL, or those like the so-called Islamic State – Sinai Province who affiliate with them."

– The Honourable Steven Blaney, Canada's Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

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• The names of listed entities under the Criminal Code can be found on the Public Safety Canada Web site at www.publicsafety.gc.ca under National Security, Counter-Terrorism.

SOURCE Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada

Related Links

www.publicsafety.gc.ca