Calgary man sentenced for terrorism offences says he fell into 'horrific black hole' of radicalization

After going down "the horrific black hole" of radicalization, a Calgary man apologized for his actions and committed to counselling before he was handed a six-year sentence for terrorism offences on Friday.

Last year, Zakarya Hussein, 20, pleaded guilty to facilitating terrorist activity.

On Friday, Justice Harry Van Harten accepted a joint sentencing submission from prosecutor Domenic Puglia and defence lawyer Alain Hepner, who proposed a six-year prison term.

With credit for the time he's already served, Hussein has about four years left on his sentence.

"This is a sentence that reflects the seriousness of the offence and society's condemnation for terrorism," said Puglia in his submissions.

Threat to 2SLGBTQ+community

Puglia argued that one of the aggravating factors in Hussein's crimes was that he was motivated by hatred toward the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

During his plea in December 2023, Hussein admitted to posting ISIS-supporting videos, photos and messages on social media accounts like Telegram, TikTok and Snapchat.

• Calgary man who searched 'killing of gay persons,' posted ISIS propaganda to TikTok pleads to terror charge

Hussein appeared to be targeting members and supporters of Calgary's 2SLGBTQ+ community.

In a June 1 post to Snapchat, Hussein wrote,"Tomorrow my mission begins. It's pride month. I've been waiting."

He then referenced explosive devices, one of which matched what was described in the hand-written instructions seized from his bedroom.

'The killing of gay persons'

Hussein's Google history included searches for "suicide attacks," "gay pride month," "pride month Calgary" and "the killing of gay persons."

Later that month, Hussein sent video to a group chat that "encouraged the killing of gay men," according to the agreed statement of facts presented at the time of the guilty plea.

Investigators with the RCMP's INSET (Integrated National Security Enforcement Team), who'd been monitoring Hussein, moved up their planned arrest date over concerns he would take actions at a PrideMonth event.

"[Hussein] states'I didn't harm anyone,'" said Puglia. "He actively did harm people and although the bomb didn't go off doesn't mean there wasn't harm."

'Completely radicalized'

During the search of his home, police seized a notebook with handwritten instructions on how to make explosive devices and an ISIS flag.

Police also found several conversations on social media where Hussein discussed being a member of ISIS or travelling to Iraq or Syria to engage in war.

In May 2023, Hussein posted an ISIS recruitment video to TikTok. One person posted "bro gave me motivation to commit a massive istishadi (martyrdom) operation."

"He now knows that he was completely radicalized," said Hepner.

'Remorse is real'

The defence lawyer said his client regrets his involvement in the radicalized community.

"His remorse is real, the brainwashing was evident," said Hepner.

When given the opportunity to address the court, Hussein read from a prepared statement, apologizing to the court and his family.

"I was immature, naive and impressed by my peers when I got involved in the horrific black hole where my actions speak of radicalization," said Hussein from the prisoner's box in court.

"This is not the way I was raised."