The preacher Adil Charkaoui will not be able to teach students in Quebec. Public and private schools will soon receive a directive from the Ministry of Education to remind them of certain “preventive measures” in the hiring of teachers.
Posted at 4:28 p.m.
Updated at 5:38 p.m.
The Press reported Wednesday morning that the controversial imam had been briefly hired as a French teacher at Saint-Gabriel secondary school in Sainte-Thérèse, which is part of the Mille-Îles school service center (CSSMI).
It wasn’t until the day before he started work at the school – when questions were asked by The Pressbut also by employees of the service center – that management has changed its mind.
When [le centre de services scolaire] checked the criminal record with the police, there was nothing. That’s why initially they announced that he would be in a class.
Audrey Noiseux, press attaché to the Minister of Education, Jean-François Roberge
“Obviously, you can do a little Google search and find that there are other problematic things,” continued M.me Noisey.
The Ministry of Education will soon send a “communication” to school service centers and private schools to remind them of certain essential steps to take before hiring a teacher.
Doubtful influence
Montrealer of Moroccan origin, Adil Charkaoui was arrested in 2003. He was suspected by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) of belonging to the terrorist group Al-Qaeda, which he has always denied. The Federal Court ordered his full release in 2009.
From 2013 to 2015, a dozen young Quebecers who followed his teachings left for Syria or tried to do so, while the civil war was raging there. Parents then denounced the influence he exerted on their children.
When Afghanistan fell into the hands of the Taliban in August 2021, Adil Charkaoui posted numerous comments on social networks in which he preached in favor of the regime.
Reached last week about a contract that the preacher had obtained in a public school, Minister Roberge’s office had dismissed The Press communications from the Ministry of Education.
Human resources management is the responsibility of school service centers or private schools “in accordance with legislative and regulatory frameworks as well as the provisions of collective agreements,” explained Bryan St-Louis, spokesperson for the Ministry.
On the phone with The Press, Adil Charkaoui defended his right to work. “I am the father of four children, shouldn’t I earn a living? “, did he declare.
“The worst criminals are rehabilitated, I who have never been accused or convicted, can you leave me in peace, 20 years later? asked Adil Charkaoui.
With the collaboration of Rima Elkouri, The Press