Mon Nov 17 22:53:22 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewrite as a news article:

Summary:

Former UN Special Rapporteur Richard Falk, 95, and his wife, Hilal Elver, were interrogated at Toronto Pearson International Airport about their views on Israel, Gaza and Genocide. Canadian human rights activists and organizations are demanding answers from the government after Richard Falk, was questioned on “national security” grounds. The Ministry of Public Safety is seeking more details on the incident, but authorities have not provided a public explanation. Advocates suggest the interrogation is an attempt to silence critics of Israel and suppress discussion of Canada’s role in the conflict.

News Article:

Canada Faces Scrutiny After Former UN Official Questioned at Border

Toronto, Canada – The Canadian government is facing growing pressure to explain why former United Nations Special Rapporteur Richard Falk, 95, was interrogated at Toronto Pearson International Airport last week. Falk, known for his critical stance on Israeli policies and his work investigating human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, was questioned alongside his wife, Hilal Elver, about their views on Israel, Gaza and Genocide.

According to Falk, a security official stated that Canadian authorities considered them a “danger to the national security of Canada.” The incident has sparked outrage among human rights activists and organizations.

“We need answers – and from the highest levels of government,” said Corey Balsam, national coordinator at Independent Jewish Voices-Canada.

While the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has remained silent on the specific case, the office of Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree has acknowledged the incident. “Minister Anandasangaree has asked the CBSA to provide more specific details on how this particular incident occurred,” said spokesperson Simon Lafortune, emphasizing that national security safeguards are an integral part of their border management framework.

Advocates like Alex Paterson from Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East believe the interrogation was politically motivated. “I think it just lays bare for everyone the reality that they wanted to hamper the tribunal’s work and try and keep Canadian complicity in Israel’s genocide … in the shadows,” Paterson stated, referring to Falk’s participation in an event examining Canada’s role in the conflict.

Falk himself suggested the interrogation was part of a broader effort to silence dissenting voices regarding the situation in Gaza.

The CBSA declined to comment on specifics but stated that secondary inspections are a normal part of the border process and that foreign nationals can be subjected to these inspections to determine admissibility to Canada.

The incident raises concerns about freedom of speech and the potential suppression of criticism towards Israel within Canada. Human rights groups are demanding transparency and accountability from the government.

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