Toronto 18 terror plot ringleader granted full parole

A two-member Parole Board panel found that Amara, 41, showed positive change, both in attitude and behaviour after a deradicalization process in prison.

On day parole since

2022 with no breaches reported

Amara, on day parole since 2022, was closely supervised, and his internet use and relationships were monitored with no concerns reported. The board moved his release forward after reviewing his case last week.

Background

Amara was one of 18 people arrested in national security raids in June 2006, and led a plot to set off truck bombs and storm Parliament. He pleaded guilty in October 2009 and was sentenced to life, with no parole for 10 years.

His conditions

• No contact with others arrested in 2006
• No contact with extremists, outside his work
• Counselling
• Financial monitoring
• Limits on phone and internet use

His full parole comes with conditions, including no contact with anyone involved in crime or with extremists, except in his work as a consultant with a specialized program.

Senator Leo Housakos mocked the decision, writing that the plotter had been miraculously cured of extremism.