OTTAWA, March 12: Mohammed Momin Khawaja, the first Canadian tried and found guilty under Canada’s anti-terrorism law, was sentenced to 10.5 years in prison on Thursday for his role in a foiled plot against British targets.

The Ottawa software developer of Pakistani descent had been found to have “knowingly participated” and “knowingly facilitated” a terrorist group’s plan to attack a popular London nightclub, a shopping mall and a gas network.

However, he may not have known the specific details of the plot itself, Justice Douglas Rutherford said in his 52-page decision in October.

At sentencing, the judge noted Khawaja showed no remorse throughout the trial and had chosen not to speak at his pre-sentencing hearing, while his family seemed oblivious to his actions, said public broadcaster CBC.

Rutherford also said Khawaja, 29, is a relatively young man with hope for rehabilitation, but added his sentence must act a deterrent.—AFP
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