Ottawa terror boss takes plea deal for 24-year sentence 50 bomb plot against Ottawa

[lostinblue 1,989]

Ottawa terror boss takes plea deal for 24-year sentence

• Updated

  4:40 pm, September 17th, 2014

• 10:19 am, September 17th, 2014

OTTAWA - The ringleader of an Ottawa terror cell pleaded guilty Wednesday to terrorism offences under a deal that will see him sentenced to 24 years in prison.

Hiva Alizadeh, 33, a jihadist who has undergone paramilitary training in terrorist training camps, will be spared a potential life sentence for recruiting sympathizers, funding overseas terror networks and plotting to attack targets in Canada.

"You have brought untold shame upon your family, your community and peace-loving Muslims throughout this country," Judge Colin McKinnon said.

"You have effectively been convicted of treason, an act that invites universal condemnation among sovereign states throughout the world.

"Your actions were selfish in the extreme, deserving of the derision and contempt that you must endure, now and in the future."

Alizadeh was one of four men arrested in August 2010 as part of Project Samossa (sic), though only three were charged with terrorism offences.

Police had him and his network under surveillance for months, including bugging his Ottawa flat and phones.

Police found circuit boards and a half-built remote detonator that could have been used to set off improvised explosive devices. The devices alarmed investigators so much they had harmless replicas made, which they secretly exchanged for the real things.

Cops also found reams of jihadist propaganda as well as instructional videos about how to make explosives.

Crown attorney Jason Wakely said Alizadeh had already been well-trained.

In March 2009, Alizadeh - at this point a Canadian citizen - travelled from Canada to Iran, then sneaked across the border to Afghanistan for a two-month crash course in terror.

And from Canada, Alizadeh made regular calls to his brother in Iran with whom he discussed sending money for shoulder-mounted weapons and grenades - money which he later sent.

In e-mail correspondence monitored by the Mounties, he also appeared to ask foreign contacts about hosting an Ottawa co-conspirator at a training camp in Afghanistan so they could teach him the deadly art of explosives.

Alizadeh has 18 years left to serve because of credit for time spent in pre-sentence custody. He's ineligible for parole for nine years.

"You have had the benefit of the presumption of innocence, due process as guaranteed by our Charter of Rights and Freedoms and been represented by experienced and well-prepared counsel - luxuries you would undoubtedly not provide to your intended victims," the judge said.

Alizadeh apologized to the court and to the country "who opened the door to me."

"Every night I live with the regret of those actions," he said. "I have a daughter outside. I have a stepson outside. They are waiting for me. I owe them a lot."

Alizadeh's co-conspirator, Civic hospital worker Misbahuddin Ahmed, was convicted of terror offences and faces a maximum sentence of 24 years in prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for Oct. 14. London, Ont., pathologist Dr. Khurram Syed Sher was acquitted of a terror conspiracy charge in August.

http://www.sunnewsnetwork.ca/sunnews/canada/archives/2014/09/20140917-101932.html

[Dakine10 5,452]

Unfortunately Canadian prison sentences are measured in dog years. He'll likely be out in 4 to 5.

[lostinblue 1,989]

If you have this situation in Canada .... Then what is to stop the same thing from happening here.. ?

See you in NY..

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

If you have this situation in Canada .... Then what is to stop the same thing from happening here.. ?

See you in NY..

More importantly, since Canada doesn't have a porous border with Mexico, how can this happen there?