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While the law has not yet been enacted, that will likely happen in the coming weeks. And when it does, Alizadeh could become the test case because not only was he convicted of a serious terrorism offence, he is also a citizen of both Canada and Iran.

Defence lawyer Leonardo Russomanno, who represents Alizadeh, said his client was aware of the citizenship revocation law but had not been notified he might become its first target. “It hasn’t been mentioned to him,” he said.

Canada already has the power to revoke landed immigrant status from those engaged in terrorism. The new law extends that, empowering authorities to annul citizenship as well. It applies only to dual nationals who have been convicted of a terrorist offence — as defined in the Criminal Code — and who have been sentenced to at least five years imprisonment. It doesn’t matter whether those convictions occurred within Canada or abroad.

In addition to terrorists, it can be used against those convicted of treason, espionage and members of “an organized armed group in an armed conflict with Canada,” raising the possibility that those who have joined the Islamic State of Iraq and Al-Sham could fall under its powers. Significantly for Alizadeh, it applies to offences “before or after the coming into force” of the law.

Before it can revoke, the government must first send a written notice explaining its grounds. A hearing may be held. The decision effectively becomes a deportation order and can only be appealed if a judge decides there is a “serious question of general importance.”