BRAMPTON, Ont. – A member of the Toronto 18 terrorist group entered a surprise guilty plea on Wednesday and will be free within a day.
Amin Durrani, whose trial was coming up in March, pleaded guilty to participating in a terrorist plot to storm Parliament and was sentenced by Brampton Superior Court Justice Bruce Durno.
"There were deadly plans discussed," the judge said, noting the level of Durrani’s involvement in the plot was neither excessive nor minimal. "He was not at the top or the leader . . . (but) he was not one of the least involved."
In line with what the Crown and defence asked for, Durno handed down a 7 1/2-year sentence that, with time served taken into account, leaves Durrani only one day in prison at the Maplehurst correctional facility.
He will be subject to strict probationary conditions for three years, along with a lifetime weapons ban and DNA order.
Addressing the court, Durrani, 23, apologized for his role in the terrorist plot, saying he had "big dreams" for his potential future career as an engineer.
"I completely and fully realize what mistakes I have made and it’s almost as if I feel stupid that I made those mistakes, but what’s done is done," Durrani told the judge.
He said he was looking forward to starting up a "new life," adding his descent into extremism was spurred by "curiosity."
Durrani was part of a breakaway faction of the Toronto 18 that talked of storming Parliament and beheading the prime minister in protest of Canada’s mission in Afghanistan.
He admitted to participating in two terrorist training camps and helping the group search for a safe house.
Crown attorney Sarah Shaikh said Durrani was a "key player" at one of the training camps, transporting some of the recruits so they could take part.
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