A Calgary man has been found guilty of terrorism-related offences for travelling to Syria to participate in the activities of the Islamic State (ISIS).
Verdict Reached After Lengthy Trial
Justice Corina Dario of the Calgary Court of King’s Bench delivered the verdict on Monday, finding that Crown prosecutors had successfully proved Jamal Borhot was guilty on three counts of participating in the activities of a terrorist group. The judge determined Borhot engaged with ISIS during his time in Syria in 2013 and 2014.
Borhot, who had been free on bail, was arrested in September 2020 following an extensive investigation by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). His trial commenced in April 2024 and spanned 40 days, with significant portions conducted behind closed doors due to national security concerns.
The Crown's Case and Defence Arguments
During the trial, lead Crown prosecutor Kent Brown presented evidence alleging that Borhot and his cousin travelled to Syria in May 2013. Their route took them through Frankfurt, Germany, and Istanbul, Turkey. Brown argued that once in Turkey, Borhot joined a terrorist organization—either the al Nusra Front, ISIS, or al-Qaida—underwent training, and then engaged in combat within Syria.
The prosecution contended that during his 11 months in the region, Borhot was involved with ISIS, taking on roles that included fighting, administrative duties, and leadership responsibilities. Brown also submitted that Borhot used Facebook communications to encourage others to travel to Syria and join the cause. Furthermore, the Crown asserted that Borhot lied to RCMP in two separate interviews after returning to Calgary in April 2014, denying he had ever entered Syria.
Defence counsel Pawel Milczarek argued that the case against his client was circumstantial and relied on unsubstantiated claims from communications. Earlier in the proceedings, Milczarek had sought a judicial stay of proceedings based on an argument of unreasonable delay, though this application was not granted.
Family Connection and Broader Implications
This case has a direct familial link to another terrorism conviction. Borhot’s cousin, Hussein Borhot, was arrested several months earlier and received a 12-year sentence in May 2022 after admitting to becoming an ISIS fighter during his time in the Middle East.
The conviction of Jamal Borhot underscores the ongoing efforts by Canadian law enforcement and the justice system to address and prosecute individuals involved with foreign terrorist entities. It highlights the complexities of such cases, including the challenges of evidence collection in conflict zones and the balancing act between transparent proceedings and national security protections.
The case is now expected to move towards sentencing, where the court will determine the appropriate consequences for Borhot's actions.
