Toronto "Youth" Guilty of Terrorism

(Brampton, Ontario) A 20-year-old homegrown Toronto terrorist, part of the infamous "Toronto 18" terror cell, has been found guilty of plotting to kill civilians with guns and explosives.

In the first verdict under Canada's new anti-terrorism laws, Ontario Superior Court Justice John Sproat rejected defence assertions the Toronto-area plot was nothing more than "musings and fantasies."

"It might well have been said prior to Sept. 11, 2001 that a plan to kill thousands and destroy landmark buildings in lower Manhattan and Washington had no possibility of implementation," Sproat said.

Sproat dismissed defence assertions that the group's co-leader - the youth's friend and mentor - was a self-aggrandizing liar who simply talked an ugly extremist game.

"I also reject the argument that (the alleged ringleader) was a hapless fanatic who posed no risk."

The 20-year-old accused, who cannot be named because he was 17 at the time of his offences, showed little emotion as the verdict was read.

The unidentified youth faces a possible ten years in prison at sentencing. No sentencing date was reported.

There's been no indication as to when we might be told the name of the 20-year-old convicted terrorist. Maybe after he gets sentenced -- or -- maybe never.

Frankly, I think it's dangerous to hide the identities of terrorists. After all, al-Qaeda's greatest challenge is to keep its members names a secret until they act. What kind of distorted Canadian logic is being used to keep terrorists names secret once they are caught and convicted? It's nuts.

Tip: CN