Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): A 35-year-old Calgary man, who travelled to the Middle East and joined the Islamic State (ISIS), has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for terrorism-related offences.
Delivering the sentence, Court of King’s Bench Justice Corina Dario described terrorism as one of the gravest criminal acts, stressing that the punishment must clearly convey society’s intolerance toward such crimes. She stated that the sentence was meant to serve as a strong deterrent and reflect the seriousness of Borhot’s actions.
Jamal Borhot was convicted late last year on three counts of participating in a terrorist group. The court heard that he travelled to Syria in 2013 with his cousin and willingly joined ISIS, where he remained for nearly a year.
According to evidence presented during the trial, Borhot took part in violent activities, assisted in recruitment efforts, and expressed readiness to kill individuals who did not share his extremist beliefs. Justice Dario noted that Borhot had made hate-filled statements targeting non-Muslims and showed no indication that his views had changed.
“There is no evidence of remorse or responsibility for his actions,” the judge said, adding that Borhot continued to hold extremist views.
Borhot was charged by the RCMP in 2020. The 16-year prison term will be reduced slightly to account for time already spent in custody. He will not be eligible to apply for parole until at least half of the sentence is served and has also been handed a lifetime weapons prohibition.
The Crown had sought a 16-year sentence, arguing that Borhot acted in a leadership role within ISIS, produced propaganda material, and attempted to radicalize others. Defence counsel contended that Borhot became radicalized but lived peacefully after returning to Canada.
Borhot remained expressionless as the sentence was read and declined to address the court. Friends and family were present during the hearing.
His cousin, Hussein Borhot, was sentenced separately to 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to terrorism offences.
Outside court, prosecutor Kent Brown said the sentence should act as a warning to others contemplating involvement in terrorism, emphasizing that severe consequences would follow such actions.
