A Kingston resident has entered a guilty plea for terrorism charges.
The underaged suspect was arrested in January 2019 after the RCMP conducted a raid on a residence in the area.
Acting on a tip received from the FBI, police evacuated the area and entered a property where they found explosive materials.
The identity of the youth is not being shared with the public in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
According to reports, the minor was charged with planning to “deliver, place, discharge or detonate an explosive or other lethal devices against a place of public use with the intent to cause death or serious bodily injury.”
He was then released on bail conditions but rearrested after failing to wear an electronic ankle monitor.
The suspect was arrested at the time alongside 20-year old Hussam Eddin Alzahabi, who was later released without any charges.
Shortly after the initial arrest, internal documents show that the RCMP was concerned about anti-immigrant sentiments due to the thwarted terror plot.
“The arrest of a Syrian refugee may cause some negative reaction on the Syrian population and immigrant population due to current anti-immigration sentiments,” wrote an RCMP strategy document.
“Families and communities are deeply affected when police take enforcement action during a national security investigation due to the stigma attached to ‘terrorism’.”
Crown lawyers working on the case have asked the suspect to be tried as an adult, potentially landing him in prison for life. As a youth, the suspect would serve a maximum of three years in jail.
