A well-known academic and former UN special rapporteur on human rights in Palestine, Richard Falk, says he was briefly detained by Canadian border officials at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport. Falk was travelling to Ottawa to speak at a major event examining Canada’s role in Palestinian human rights violations, but instead spent hours being questioned by authorities about his work, views, and involvement in the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Who Is Richard Falk?
Background of the Former Special Rapporteur
Richard Falk, a retired Princeton University professor and former UN special rapporteur on human rights in occupied Palestine, had been invited to address the Palestine Tribunal on Canadian Responsibility. The multi-day tribunal describes itself as a “people’s tribunal,” aiming to investigate and document Canada’s alleged complicity in the ongoing genocide, displacement, and human rights abuses against Palestinians, particularly in Gaza over the past two years.
What Happened at Toronto Pearson Airport?
Passports Taken and Hours of Questioning
Falk says that immediately after landing on Thursday — his 95th birthday — he and his wife were stopped at customs. Border officers took their passports and escorted them to a private interview room. According to Falk, agents told them the purpose of the detention was to determine whether the couple represented a national security risk.
During the extended four-hour interview, officials asked detailed questions about his participation in the tribunal, his personal history with the Israel-Palestine conflict, and his opinions on Israel’s actions in Gaza. After the questioning, the couple was released and allowed to enter Canada.
CBSA Response and Procedures
Agency Declines to Discuss the Case
When questioned about the incident, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) said it could not comment on individual travelers due to privacy rules. However, the agency emphasized that secondary inspections are a standard part of Canada’s border process and should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of wrongdoing.
A CBSA spokesperson added that additional inspections may occur for numerous reasons, including questions about documentation, travel purpose, or security concerns.
Falk Believes His Detention Was Linked to the Conference
Despite the CBSA’s general explanation, Falk says the nature of the questions made him feel he was detained specifically because of his role in the Palestine Tribunal. He was scheduled to speak about how international law applies to the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Falk expressed disappointment, saying he expected Canada — a country that recently acknowledged Palestinian statehood — to support open dialogue on human rights. He added that the experience contradicted Canada’s reputation as a champion of free speech and democratic values.
Reaction from Conference Organizers and Officials
Tribunal Organizers Alarmed
Conference organizers learned of Falk’s situation after receiving a distressed call from his wife. According to tribunal chair Azeezah Kanji, organizers quickly contacted several senior officials seeking help to ensure Falk and his wife were released. Kanji described the level of concern among supporters as “extreme and universal.”
Senator Yuen Pau Woo Responds
Senator Yuen Pau Woo confirmed that organizers informed him on Thursday evening. He immediately contacted the public safety minister’s office to inquire about the detention. Woo expressed deep concern, saying he was “shocked” that two respected experts on international law would be treated this way, especially on Falk’s 95th birthday.
CBC News reached out to the public safety ministry for comment and is awaiting a response.
