An Ottawa man convicted in an ISIS-related terrorism case is being released from prison after serving two-thirds of his 17-year sentence, despite the parole board acknowledging that he continues to hold extremist views and remains a public safety risk.
Parole Board Decision
The Parole Board of Canada stated that Ashton Larmond, 35, has shown some progress through prison programming and counselling. However, the board also highlighted his involvement in a recent assault on another inmate, where he punched the inmate in the face, kneeled on him, and struck him again, breaking his nose. This incident was cited as evidence that Larmond remains comfortable using violence.
Conditions of Release
The parole board has imposed special conditions that Larmond must follow for the remainder of his sentence. These include monitoring his phone use and finances, mandatory participation in treatment programs, and residence in a community-based residential facility or psychiatric facility approved by the Correctional Service of Canada.
Background of the Case
In the summer of 2013, the RCMP intercepted conversations between Larmond and another Ottawa man who had joined ISIS in December 2012. Larmond expressed a desire to join him. According to RCMP documents, Larmond's mother contacted Ottawa police in September 2013, reporting that her son wanted to kill for terrorists.
Police arrested Larmond on January 9, 2015, in the Ottawa area, while his twin brother Carlos was arrested at Montreal's airport attempting to leave Canada for Syria. Ashton had been considering a route through Alaska, Russia, and Afghanistan to reach Syria. The arrests were part of an RCMP undercover counterterrorism operation called Project Slipstream.
Legal Proceedings
Ashton Larmond pleaded guilty to one count of encouraging others to engage in terrorist violence. His brother Carlos pleaded guilty to attempting to leave Canada to participate in terrorist group activities and received a seven-year prison sentence.
Future Plans and Risks
As his release approached, Larmond told the parole board he hoped to work in the food industry or at a hardware store and to fundraise for groups helping Muslims suffering. However, the board ruled his potential for reintegration was low, noting he lacked a viable release plan. Without conditions, the board stated he would present an undue risk to society.
