Convicted Terrorist Denied Parole Over Ongoing Extremist Risk
One of Canada’s earliest convicted terrorists has been denied parole after authorities concluded he continues to pose a serious security risk and shows no evidence of abandoning extremist beliefs.
Said Namouh, a 52-year-old Moroccan national convicted in Quebec nearly two decades ago, remains a “significant and concerning risk,” according to a recent decision by the Parole Board of Canada. Namouh has been incarcerated since 2007.
In its ruling, the Board stated that it had observed no signs of de-radicalization. It also noted that Namouh showed no remorse for his actions and continued to justify violence. He received a life sentence in 2010 and is expected to face deportation if released.
Although Namouh told the Board that he no longer supports jihad as a means to fight injustice or oppression, officials said they could not rely solely on his statements. As a result, the Board rejected his claims and denied his latest parole request.
The decision was issued on Dec. 9. A redacted version of the ruling was released to Global News on Friday.
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