Quebec terrorist sentenced to life
- Details
- Published on Thursday, 18 February 2010 05:13
- Written by John Draper
- Hits: 2010
In Quebec, 37-year-old Said Namouh plotted to carry out jihadist attacks against targets in western Europe but has now been sentenced to life imprisonment. Quebec court Judge Claude Leblond ruled that Namouh lied to the court about his intentions to hurt other people and has little remorse for his intended actions. Namouh also was involved with the Global Islamic Media Front, an organization recognized by the court as a terrorist group that has been described as the media wing of al Qaeda. The group is involved in jihad recruitment and with propaganda. Namouh was also shown to have spent hours on jihad forums and preparing propaganda videos. While Canadian terror suspects in other cases have seen the error of their ways, Leblond said it was clear that Namouh tried to cover up the extent of his beliefs in court.
"In no way since the events has he distanced himself from terrorism," Leblond said in his judgment.
Evidence introduced at trial showed that Namouh (photo right) intended to attack the Vienna-based OPEC, various German and Austrian government officials, as well as the Euro 2008 soccer tournament.
"His attempt at manipulating the court during his sentencing hearing reveals the danger he continues to represent."
Namouh was convicted of four terrorism-related charges last October -- conspiracy to detonate an explosive device, participating in a terrorist act, facilitating an act of terrorism and committing extortion for a terrorist group.
Commenting on the sentence, federal prosecutor Dominique Dudemaine said. "The message is for people, not only in this country but abroad also," "You cannot come into Canada to carry out a plot here or elsewhere. We are not a safe haven."
Canada has already begun a procedure to have Namouh deported to his native Morocco.
Today would not be soon enough although I trust the jails there honour the sentence or maybe I am being naive. Maybe deportation should wait till he's finished his sentence - in Canada, a life sentence is not really "life".
See also story on the Toronto 18.