General

Toronto 18 ringleader sentenced to 16 years

Fahim Ahmad could be eligible for parole in just over three years

The 26 year-old head of a foiled plot to bomb targets in Toronto and Ottawa has been sentenced to 16 years in prison by a Brampton Court. Fahim Ahmad plead guilty to participating in a terrorist group, importing firearms and holding training camps to instruct his followers on how to assault targets like Parliament, the Canadian Broadcasting Centre and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service headquarters. Judge Fletcher Dawson found that although Ahmad led the plot, he was never actually close to carrying out an attack. He also acknowledged that Ahmad, who says he’s no longer intolerant of western people or other religions, was remorseful of his actions, saying “I am not dealing with someone who remains openly defiant. Perhaps I’m only optimistic, but I see prospects of rehabilitation.” The Crown asked for a sentence of 18 years to life, while the defense requested a 12 year sentence. Ahmad, who’s been in prison since 2006, will be granted double credit for his time in jail, meaning he could be eligible for parole in three and a half years.

CBC News

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