A Calgary man, Jamal Borhot, has been found guilty of participating in the activities of a terrorist group, ISIS. The ruling, delivered Monday by Court of King’s Bench Justice Corina Dario, concludes a case stemming from Borhot’s travels to Syria in 2013 and 2014.
Borhot’s journey began with a flight through Frankfurt, Germany, and Istanbul, Turkey, alongside his cousin. Prosecutors argued that upon reaching Turkey, Borhot aligned himself with one of three extremist organizations – al Nusra Front, ISIS, or al-Qaida – and immediately began training for combat.
The 40-day trial, much of which unfolded behind closed doors due to national security concerns, revealed a complex picture of Borhot’s involvement. Evidence presented suggested he didn’t merely fight, but also took on administrative and leadership roles within the organization.
Prosecutors detailed how Borhot actively encouraged others to join him in Syria, utilizing Facebook to spread his message. Justice Dario ultimately agreed, stating the Crown had proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Borhot knowingly participated in ISIS’s efforts to establish a Caliphate.
The defense argued the case rested on circumstantial evidence and unsubstantiated claims, lacking concrete physical or digital proof. They suggested Borhot’s alleged accounts could be fabrications intended to elevate his status within his social circle.
Despite these arguments, Justice Dario found the prosecution’s evidence compelling, confirming Borhot understood he was aligning himself with a designated terrorist organization. The conviction carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years per charge, with consecutive terms a possibility.
This case echoes that of Borhot’s cousin, Hussein Borhot, who received a 12-year sentence in May 2022 after admitting to fighting with ISIS in the Middle East. Sentencing arguments in Jamal Borhot’s case are scheduled for January 16th.
Following the verdict, the defense expressed profound disappointment, acknowledging the devastating impact on Borhot and his family. The Crown, however, indicated the severity of the charges suggests a substantial prison sentence is likely.
