After a review of his case, the Parole Board of Canada has granted full parole to Zakaria Amara, a key figure in the foiled Toronto 18 terror scheme. The board determined that he no longer exhibited any signs of extremist beliefs or radical ideologies.
Amara, who played a role in recruiting members for the group’s plan to attack Parliament Hill and target various locations in Toronto, has been on day parole with strict conditions for four years. Following a positive assessment of his progress, the board upgraded his parole status.
In its recent written decision, the board highlighted that Amara, aged 41, actively engaged in deradicalization efforts while in custody and has effectively utilized his day parole for rehabilitation purposes. His improved attitude and behavior were noted by the panel.
Throughout his day parole, Amara was closely monitored, including supervision of his internet activity, social interactions, and relationships. No safety issues or breaches were reported during this period.
The decision, with certain details redacted, outlines Amara’s intention to reside in his own residence and maintain a routine that includes his full-time job, mosque attendance, family visits, and suitable leisure pursuits. He is prohibited from associating with individuals involved in criminal activities or extremist ideologies, except within the scope of his consultancy work for a specialized program.
Additionally, Amara is required to continue counseling sessions and adhere to financial monitoring, as well as restrictions on his phone and internet usage.
This parole decision comes twenty years after the dismantling of the Toronto 18 plot, a significant event that reshaped public perceptions of terrorism in Canada. Amara and his accomplice recruited individuals based on jihadist beliefs with the aim of carrying out attacks to demand the withdrawal of Canadian troops from Afghanistan.
Following the group’s split into two factions, Amara led a plot focused on constructing truck bombs to target key locations in Toronto. He was apprehended on the day bomb-making materials were delivered to a warehouse.
Amara had pleaded guilty to participating in a terror group with the intent of causing explosions that could result in serious harm or death. He received a life sentence with a minimum of ten years before parole eligibility, which was upheld on appeal.
According to the parole board document, Amara initially retained problematic and extremist attitudes during his early incarceration years, marked by instances of misconduct. However, a positive shift in his ideology was observed in 2014, leading to his transfer to a medium-security facility in 2019, where he exhibited respectful and cooperative behavior.
Amara was initially granted three months of day parole in 2022, with subsequent extensions. The parole board acknowledged his efforts to distance himself from extremist ideologies and like-minded individuals in recent years, both during his time in federal custody and within the community.
This decision reflects a significant milestone in Amara’s rehabilitation journey, demonstrating his commitment to positive change and societal reintegration.
