Former UN Special Rapporteur Richard Falk Detained at Canadian Airport
Richard Falk, a 95-year-old former United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, was detained and interrogated for over four hours upon his arrival at Toronto Pearson International Airport on November 13, 2025. Falk, accompanied by his wife, Hilal Elver, was traveling to Ottawa to participate in the Palestine Tribunal on Canadian Responsibility.
Detention and Interrogation
Upon landing in Toronto, Falk and Elver were approached by Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers who informed them of their detention on national security grounds. The couple was then subjected to extensive questioning regarding their work on Israel and Gaza, as well as their positions on issues of genocide. Falk described the interrogation as “random and disorganized,” noting that it was the first such experience in his extensive career.
Purpose of Visit
Falk and Elver were en route to the Palestine Tribunal on Canadian Responsibility, a two-day event held in Ottawa on November 14 and 15, 2025. The tribunal aimed to examine Canada’s role in Israel’s military actions in Gaza, which have been described by various human rights organizations as genocidal. The event brought together international legal experts to discuss Canada’s involvement and potential complicity in these actions.
Reactions and Responses
The CBSA, citing privacy regulations, declined to comment on specific cases but stated that secondary inspections are a standard part of the border process and should not be viewed as indicative of wrongdoing. Canadian Senator Yuen Pau Woo expressed shock and concern over the treatment of Falk and Elver, questioning why advocating for justice in Palestine would be considered a national security threat. Falk himself suggested that the interrogation reflects a broader global effort to suppress dissenting voices critical of governmental policies, particularly concerning the situation in Gaza.
As of now, Canadian authorities have not provided further clarification on the reasons behind the detention of Falk and Elver.
