Canadian authorities forbade renown anti-apartheid activists Winnie Madikizela-Mandela from entering the country Tuesday because of her previous conviction.

The ex-wife of former South African president Nelson Mandela, couldn’t attend a gala held in her honor Tuesday because Canadian laws do not permit any person that has a criminal record to enter its territory.

Madikizela-Mandela was convicted for being involved in the kidnapping of 14-year-old Stompie Moeketsi. Winnie’s bodyguard said she ordered him to kidnap and kill the alleged informer. She was received a six-year sentence in 1991,but was reduced to a mere fine after further appeals.

Aside from that sentence, Madikizela-Mandela was convicted on April 24, 2003 of fraud and theft, along with her broker, to five years in prison. One year later, a judge overturned the initial sentence and removed the theft accusation, considering the anti-apartheid militant didn’t use a some of money loaned for a funeral fund for personal purposes.

But the fraud sentence was upheld and she received three and a half years in prison, with suspension. 

On June 5, the arts group MusicaNoir organized a fundraising gala in Toronto, an event where the controversial activist was supposed to hold a speech. But the High Commission of Canada in South Africa decided not to grant a visa for Madikizela-Mandela, without clearly stating the motive.

Canadian officials said that anyone with “a criminal record is not wanted in this country, either for permanent residence or to visit as a tourist.” Her daughter Zindzi and two bodyguards received the permission to enter the North American state.