Toronto man admits to terror plot in surprise plea

Saad Khalid pleads guilty to one count of participating in terrorist organization's plots against targets in Toronto

A young Toronto man – Saad Khalid – has pleaded guilty to aiding a terrorist plot to build bombs to explode in the city's downtown core. In a dramatic and sudden move, Mr. Khalid became the first adult from amongst the so-called Toronto 18 to admit playing a role in a plot that was allegedly inspired by al-Qaeda and intended to create international publicity for the terrorist cause.

The dramatic development took place on Monday morning in a near-empty Brampton, Ont., courtroom. It was so sudden and cloaked in secrecy that the courtroom was empty but for one reporter and four apparent family members of supporters – including a middle-aged woman who wept as Mr. Khalid was led away after his plea.

Mr. Khalid pleaded guilty to a single count of participating in a terrorist organization, “with the intention of causing an explosion or explosions that were likely to cause serious bodily harm or death,” or to damage property. The charge specifies that Mr. Khalid was acting in support of other conspirators whose names are subject to a ban on publication...

Just remember "...the biggest elephant in the room".

Mark

Ottawa