OTTAWA — The Canadian government has designated Al Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula a terrorist group.
It’s the group that claimed responsibility for trying to ship explosives hidden in ink cartridges earlier this year.
Minister of Public Safety Vic Toews says the designation took effect Thursday.
Making the list means it is now a crime to knowingly participate in or contribute to the activities of the group, which says it’s subordinate to Al Qaida and its leader Osama bin Laden.
The organization’s assets are also frozen and can be subject to seizure.
Penalties for breaking the law may include fines of up to $100,000 or up to 10 years in jail.
The government also said that after a review 42 organizations remain on the terror list.
“Today we are sending a powerful message that Canada will not be a safe haven for terror, Toews said in a release.
Al Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula was also linked to the foiled attempt to blow up a plane bound for Detroit on Dec. 25, 2009 by the so-called underwear bomber.
The group, formed when al-Qaida’s Saudi and Yemeni branches merged in 2009, has also attacked government officials and foreigners in the region.