The Canadian government has added the Proud Boys to its list of terrorist entities.
According to Public Safety Canada, the group played a “pivotal role” in the insurrection at the Capitol.
“On January 6, 2021, the Proud Boys played a pivotal role in the insurrection at the US Capitol,” the department’s website said.
“Leaders of the group planned their participation by setting out objectives, issuing instructions, and directing members during the insurrection.”
Canada branded the group a “neo-fascist organisation”.
“Members of the group espouse misogynistic, Islamophobic, anti-Semitic, anti-immigrant, and/or white supremacist ideologies and associate with white supremacist groups,” the website said.
“The group and its members have openly encouraged, planned, and conducted violent activities against those they perceive to be opposed to their ideology and political beliefs.
“The group regularly attends Black Lives Matter protests as counter-protesters, often engaging in violence targeting BLM supporters.”
The addition of the Proud Boys, along with 12 other new groups, raises the number of terrorist entities listed by the government to 73.
A news release by Public Safety Canada said the Proud Boys’ designation had severe implications for the group.
“The Criminal Code mandates severe penalties for people and organisations that deal with property or finances of a listed entity,” it said.
“When an entity is placed on the list, banks and financial institutions freeze its assets.
“It is a crime to knowingly deal with the assets of a listed entity.
“Listings also help obstruct assistance from sympathisers and supporters in Canada by criminalising certain support activities, including those related to terrorist travel, training and recruitment.”
