So-called terror zealot vindicated – Just 11 accused remain in ‘Toronto 18′ case
TORONTO, ONTARIO – Nearly two years ago, when police busted an alleged homegrown terror cell, Qayyum Abdul Jamal was portrayed as the firebrand ringleader seeking recruits for jihad.
Today, he says, he hopes to piece together a reputation left in tatters after being accused of belonging to the so-called Toronto 18, a group of men and teens who allegedly plotted to bomb sites around Toronto.
And he hopes to repair a life changed forever when he spent 17 months in jail, 13 of them in solitary confinement.
That’s why the Crown’s surprise move yesterday to stay terrorism-related charges against Jamal and three of his co-accused is somewhat bittersweet for the 45-year-old.
“If I didn’t have my faith while I was in jail, I would’ve been suicidal,” said Jamal, who says he was beaten, pushed and kicked by jail guards.
“I am innocent,” he told reporters yesterday outside a Brampton courthouse as his wife and sons looked on. “I have nothing to do with this terrorism thing.”
His comments came after the Crown effectively dropped charges against four of the 14 adult suspects netted during a massive police sweep in the summer of 2006.
The stay in proceedings marks another setback in the government’s landmark case against the group. Now, there are 11 accused of belonging to what was originally called an Al Qaeda-inspired cell.
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