Calgary man sentenced for terrorism offences says he fell into 'horrific black hole' of radicalization
CBC
After going down "the horrific black hole" of radicalization, a Calgary man apologized for his actions and committed to counselling before he was handed a six-year sentence for terrorism offences on Friday.
Last year, Zakarya Hussein, 20, pleaded guilty to facilitating terrorist activity.
On Friday, Justice Harry Van Harten accepted a joint sentencing submission from prosecutor Domenic Puglia and defence lawyer Alain Hepner, who proposed a six-year prison term.
With credit for the time he's already served, Hussein has about four years left on his sentence.
"This is a sentence that reflects the seriousness of the offence and society's condemnation for terrorism," said Puglia in his submissions.
Puglia argued that one of the aggravating factors in Hussein's crimes was that he was motivated by hatred toward the LGBTQ community.
During his plea in December 2023, Hussein admitted to posting ISIS-supporting videos, photos and messages on social media accounts like Telegram, TikTok and Snapchat.
Hussein appeared to be targeting members and supporters of Calgary's LGBTQ community.
In a June 1 post to Snapchat, Hussein wrote, "Tomorrow my mission begins. It's pride month. I've been waiting."
He then referenced explosive devices, one of which matched what was described in the hand-written instructions seized from his bedroom.
Hussein's Google history included searches for "suicide attacks," "gay pride month," "pride month Calgary" and "the killing of gay persons."
Later that month, Hussein sent video to a group chat that "encouraged the killing of gay men," according to the agreed statement of facts presented at the time of the guilty plea.
Investigators with the RCMP's INSET (Integrated National Security Enforcement Team), who'd been monitoring Hussein, moved up their planned arrest date over concerns he would take actions at a Pride Month event.
"[Hussein] states…'I didn't harm anyone,'" said Puglia. "He actively did harm people and although the bomb didn't go off doesn't mean there wasn't harm."
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