The Supreme Court of Canada today unanimously upheld the country's anti-terrorism law, rejecting an appeal from Momin Khawaja, the first person charged under the Anti-terrorism Act.
The top court on Friday also rejected the appeals of two men seeking to avoid extradition to the United States, where they are wanted on charges related to terrorism.
The top court justices ruled that violent acts are not protected under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
The key issue in the appeals of Khawaja, and the two men seeking to avoid extradition, centred on the Anti-terrorism Act's motive clause, which states that terrorist activity is committed "in whole or in part for a political, religious or ideological purpose, objective or cause."
The three men argued the law has the effect of "chilling the exercise of freedom of expression, freedom of religion and freedom of association; and …it would legitimize law enforcement action aimed at scrutinizing individuals based on their religious, political or ideological beliefs."