Casual Reversal: From Jihadist to Quiescence
Yet another of the original 'Toronto 18', homegrown jihadis is free to do as he will. Free, thank God, he's free at last. Smiling, shaking his lawyer's hand.The courts, if not the public at large, commiserates with these misguided, unfortunate, confused young men who really, truly, were just having a bit of adolescent fun, didn't really intend to cause any fuss, let alone wreak havoc on governmental institutions and just by the way take their revenge on fellow citizens by abruptly removing them from normal life-support.
"I completely and fully realize what mistakes I have made and it's almost as if I feel stupid that I made those mistakes, but what's done is done", this normal-appearing, intelligent-looking young man stated. How off-handed a statement. Almost as though he feels stupid? Stupid, is it, to plan to murder innocent people? Pretty nonchalant, actually, as though he fully expects to be excused from youthful folly.
All is forgiven. Amin Durrani admits he was a silly boy. Plotting to murder the country's prime minister, once he and his former fellow henchmen actually determined who the prime minister of the day was. This young man was inspired by the thought that he would meet "God in Heaven". Obviously, in accord with his spiritual belief, God would then approve of the reason Mr. Durrani stood before him.
A young man, clearly psychotic, obviously delusional, somehow now realizes that he was not being a good boy at all, not by any standards, and certainly not by the social contract that all Canadians are proud to be represented by in accord with their nation's and society's values. But he no longer holds extremist views, according to his lawyer.
For his descent into "extremism", Mr. Durrani seemed anxious to explain, was merely the result of "curiosity". Curious to know what it felt like to murder someone, not only practise at it, as was done at their various training camps situated conveniently right in Ontario. No need to travel abroad.
The recorded conversation with one of his co-conspirators was illuminating in its simplicity and its intent:
"We're thinking of taking over this country"; "What happens at Parliament?; "We go and kill everybody"; "And then what?" Then what? Why, celebrations! A bona fide terror group! Post the kudos on line, and proudly pose for photographs.
Justice Bruce Durno felt comfortable handing down a 7.5-year sentence, giving more than double credit for time already served, leaving this gentle young man to get on with his life - after serving one additional day in prison - and experience those "big dreams" he anticipates.
Interesting transformation: from plotting to expose his country to nightmares, he now plans big dreams.
Labels: Canada, Justice, Terrorism
posted by Pieface @ Thursday, January 21, 2010
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