Reproduced under the Fair Dealings provisions of the Copyright Act:
Terrorism suspects accused of bomb plot: RCMP
26/08/2010 3:09:31 PM
CBC News
LINK
The RCMP have charged three Ontario men for allegedly taking part in a domestic plot, and possessing plans and materials related to creating makeshift bombs.
RCMP Chief Supt. Serge Therriault said Misbahuddin Ahmed, 26, and Hiva Alizadeh, 30, both of Ottawa, and 28-year-old Khurram Sher of London were involved in a conspiracy to commit "a violent terrorism attack."
Therriault alleged at a news conference in Ottawa that the men conspired with three men, who they named as James Lara, Rizgar Alizadeh and Zakaria Mamosta, as well as persons unknown in Canada and in Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Dubai to commit terrorism-related offences.
Suspect trained in IED construction
He said the RCMP investigation, dubbed Project Samosa, found evidence to support the fact one member of the group has also taken training that provided him with the knowledge to construct electronic and explosive devices.
Investigators seized more than 50 electronic circuit boards designed specifically to remotely detonate improvised explosive devices (IEDs), said Therriault.
"This group posed a real and serious threat to the citizens of the National Capital Region and Canada's national security," he said.
"Canada is not immune to the threat of terrorism," he said.
Alizadeh, Ahmed and Sher have been charged with conspiracy to knowingly facilitate a terrorist activity under the Criminal Code.
Alizadeh is also charged with being in possession of an explosive substance with intent to harm, and providing property or financial services for the benefit of a terrorist group.
Investigators conducted "extensive surveillance" of the suspects during the year-long investigation, Therriault said.
He said investigators have grounds to believe that the three men are "part of a domestic terrorist group" operating in Canada.
Investigators said they have reason to believe Alizadeh is a member of, and in contact with, a terrorist group with links to the conflict in Afghanistan, but declined to name the group.
Therriault said part of the decision to make the arrests now was to prevent one of the suspects from providing financial support to terrorist counterparts abroad.
2 men in Ottawa court
Ahmed and Alizadeh, both arrested on Wednesday, made a brief court appearance on Thursday and were remanded into custody until their next appearance, on Sept. 1.
Sher, who police believe auditioned for the Canadian Idol singing competition, was arrested on Thursday in London in southwestern Ontario.
All three men are Canadian citizens.
According to court documents, Alizadeh lived in Manitoba for some time and attended Red River College before coming to Ontario.
The college confirms one student with the name Hiva Alizadeh studied English as a second language in 2003-04 and electrical engineering from 2008-09.
The synopsis of the case said Alizadeh had been under surveillance for some time, and had met with other accused at his home and other locales. He was recorded discussing various terror-related topics, including the Toronto 18 case, and they talked about security certificates, and cell structure, it's alleged.
Alizadeh also allegedly went to Iran for several months, according to court documents.
Another view: LINK to CTV version of article>
