The “Toronto 18” is a label given to a group of 18 terror suspects who plotted to blow up various targets in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and assassinate the prime minister. Charges against several suspects have been dropped, while others including Saad Khalid have pled guilty. The videos released included Khalid’s arrest.
Video Released Following Zakaria Amara’s Trial
The video was released after the trial of the group’s alleged leader Zakaria Amara last month. According to AOL News, he plead guilty to numerous charges including knowingly participating in a terrorist group, and intending to cause an explosion for a terrorist group.
The crown painted a picture of Zakaria Amara as an Islamic extremist. Their case argued he was among the organizers of the plot to bomb downtown Toronto, Ontario, in order to paralyze the economy, and terrorize Canadians
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) and the Globe& Mail requested the tapes be made public. Judge Bruce Durno who heard Amara’s case agreed on Tuesday October 20, after the accused, prosecution and defense attorneys raised no objections.
One video shows Amara demonstrating how a cell phone detonator works. It’s clear the video was taken at his home, as there are children’s toys in the background. He was a married father at the time of his arrest. Six others are still awaiting trial, and are protected by a publication ban. None of those six were featured in the videos, which were released.
Video of RCMP Detonated Explosion, Other Documents Released
The video footage released included clips of a RCMP detonated explosion. The bomb made with one tonne of ammonium nitrate was exploded by the police force in the middle of a field. If played in slow motion, viewers can see the shock wave such an explosion would cause. In a piece of his written ruling published by Canadian Press, Justice Bruce Durno described the video: “The test blast videotapes provide visual evidence of the magnitude of an explosion that might have occurred. Other videos include footage of Saad Khalid’s arrest.
Other items released besides the videos included a “to do list” of items needed for the plot, which included copies of the Koran, brown overalls, and bags of ammonium nitrate. A second list detailing instructions of what to do if they succeeded was also released. According to the Canadian Press those directions included “Only volunteer what is asked for, and don’t sound like a child.” There was also a reminder to “be confident because Allah was on our side.”
The Toronto 18 were arrested in 2006. The group included 14 adults, and four youths. Their proposed targets included the CN Tower, Toronto Stock Exchange, as well as the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa.
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