In the video, Yusufzai is described as a tolerant, carefree young man who, several years ago, radically changed his behavior and manner of dress. His new Facebook page indicates a devout Muslim who celebrates the caliphate — al-Khilafah al-Islamiyah. Is the RCMP doing anything to determine how and why young Muslims in Canada “have embraced the extremist ideology”? Are they challenging Muslim groups in Canada who profess to reject that ideology to start teaching against it in mosques and Islamic schools? Why not?
“Hasibullah Yusufzai, of Burnaby, B.C., faces terror-related charge,” CBC News, July 23, 2014:
A British Columbia man has been charged under a new anti-terrorism law for allegedly leaving Canada to join Islamist fighters in Syria.
It’s the first time charges have been laid under the new section of the Criminal Code that penalizes terror-related travel, said RCMP Cpl. David Falls.
Hasibullah Yusufzai, 25, is accused of committing an offence for the benefit of a terrorist group or was directed by or associated with such a group.
“The individual is known to have travelled to Syria to join Islamist fighters,” the RCMP said in a statement.
It’s alleged Yusufzai left Canada on Jan. 21.
“This case underscores the reality that there are individuals in Canada who have embraced the extremist ideology and who are willing to act upon it,” the RCMP statement said.
“It is now considered a criminal offence ‘to leave’ or ‘attempt to leave’ the country to take part in terrorist activity, and the RCMP will pursue such criminal actions to the full extent of the law.”
Family denies RCMP claims
A woman who answered the phone at Yusufzai’s home in Burnaby said he wasn’t there, then said she didn’t speak English.
Roh Yusufzai told The Globe and Mail that his brother wasn’t in Syria and went to Turkey for the month of Ramadan. He said his brother is not capable of joining a terrorist group or being violent.
Mounties say they’re working on the case with their international partners.
Mideast Syria Tides of War
“The RCMP is concerned about Canadians travelling abroad to participate in terrorist-related criminal activity,” the statement said.
It said countering radicalization to violence also depends on the public taking an active role, including helping police by reporting suspicious or illegal activity.
“In conjunction with local police, the RCMP outreach and engagement activities are designed to help Canadian communities and families see the indicators of vulnerability to violent extremism, and understand the responsibilities they share with law enforcement in maintaining Canada’s national security.”
Homegrown extremistsRCMP Assistant Commissioner James Malizia said the investigation underscores the reality that there are people leaving Canada to take part in terrorist activities.
He said the new legislation enhances the force’s ability to combat the activity of terrorists.
“These charges reaffirm the RCMP’s resolve to aggressively pursue terrorist acts to the fullest extent of the law.”
Last month, federal intelligence officials issued a warning about an estimated 130 Canadians alleged to have joined terror groups in Syria, Yemen, Somali and North Africa.
Canadian Security Intelligence Service director Michel Coulombe testified before the Senate national security committee that an estimated 30 Canadians had left for the Syria-Iran area alone.
John C. Barile says
The world is slowly coming to grips with the existential threat of jihad embodied in the “caliphate,” the Islamic State, and yet all the while that threat continues to grow.
john spielman says
I think you are right , though some people like Nancy Pelosi and the Obination who sits in the Oval Office will deny reality right until the islamic sword begins to strike their necks!
DhimiNot says
There are numerous others who should have their citizenship withdrawn. This is great news that FINALLY some countries are beginning to understand. Good for Canada. I think Australia is doing a similar thing.
All Western countries need to do likewise. Unfortunately with Obama in the US, I don’t think the US will follow.
Vostro says
Western countries are missing a perfect opportunity when they allow these “freedom fighters” back into their countries.
Judith Harrower says
Control by fear by promoting terrorism in Canada from the Harper government. Only reality is that Canada is used by terrorists to gain entry into USA – Cdn. lads as terrorists overseas is trumpeted by gov’t to justify new legislation for protecting getting natural resources to world markets. Keep the “radical environmentalists in check.
Example is yesterday’s announcement by Blaney that “It is a right to own assault firearms in Canada” despite the fact that the supreme court has ruled what 4 or 5 times that it is not a “right” but a privilege”. Following the American way under George W. by Harper – only may not succeed.
Barook says
With a name like Hasibullah Yusufzai – it indicates that he is originally Afghan. Canada needs to do more and MUST start publishing pictures and names of all those who have left Canada to join terrorists group to commit murder before it’s too late. Canada must carefully view this video where it shows a terrorist warning Canada and the US “we are coming for you”. Need I say more