RCMP not charging jihadis who say 'sorry'
http://www.calgarysun.com/2016/03/08/rcmp-not-charging-jihadis-who-say-sorry By Anthony Furey, Postmedia Network
First posted: Tuesday, March 08, 2016 05:28 PM MST | Updated: Tuesday, March 08, 2016 05:35 PM MST
Canadian radicals known, but not being charged
The RCMP is focusing on "direct interventions" with the dozens of known jihadis on Canadian soil, instead of laying charges, Commissioner Bob Paulson has revealed.
CSIS director Michel Coulombe told a Senate committee on Monday there are currently 60 Canadians known to have returned home from going abroad to participate in terrorist activities. Their activities range from engaging in paramilitary exercises to providing logistical support to receiving jihadist education and training. On top of this, there are another 180 Canadians who remain abroad for such purposes and could eventually return home.
According to the Criminal Code, leaving the country or attempting to leave to participate in terror is illegal.
"If we're not getting the evidence, are we satisfying the safety issues by surveillance and other techniques while we collect the evidence or are there alternative ways of keeping communities safe by direct interventions with the individual or his family?" RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson told reporters following his testimony Tuesday before the House of Commons public safety and security committee.
In some cases it appears the RCMP is simply choosing not to lay charges based on expectations that the individual won't further pursue terrorist activities.
"In other cases, we've assessed that they're back, they're sorry, they're working to try to get their heads straight and we're relying on family members or other professionals," Paulson added.
A Senate report from 2015 recommended the government enforce the Criminal Code. It appears the Liberals agree.
"Where the grounds exist for specific legal action that action will be taken," public safety minister Ralph Goodale said Tuesday. "If people have committed offences under Canadian law, then the appropriate legal consequences need to flow."
Goodale would not comment on any specific cases.
- with files from David Akin
