United States and Canada imposes sanctions on Palestinian prisoner support network, Samidoun
The United States and Canada have imposed sanctions on the Palestinian prisoner support network, Samidoun, following accusations that it operates as a “sham charity” funneling funds to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), which the US has designated as a terrorist organization.
In a statement on Tuesday, the US Department of the Treasury characterized Samidoun as an international fundraiser for the PFLP, stating that it misrepresents itself as a humanitarian organization while actually diverting funds to support terrorism. Treasury official Bradley Smith emphasized that such organizations undermine legitimate charitable efforts.
Simultaneously, the Canadian government designated Samidoun as a “terrorist entity,” asserting that it has strong ties to the PFLP and promotes its interests. Canadian Minister of Public Safety Dominic Leblanc declared that Canada will not tolerate activities related to violent extremism or terrorist financing.
Samidoun describes itself as a global network advocating for Palestinian prisoners and raising awareness of their conditions and demands. However, pro-Israel organizations have long campaigned for its designation as a terrorist group.
The coordinated actions by the US and Canada come as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt financing for terrorist organizations. The US sanctions also target Khaled Barakat, a PFLP leader involved in external fundraising. These measures are intended to protect legitimate humanitarian organizations from being affected by the misuse of non-profit sectors for terrorist funding.