Khurram Sher gives a thumbs up outside court in Ottawa on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2014 after being found not guilty of conspiring to facilitate terrorism.
Photo Credit: PC / Sean Kilpatrick/Canadian Press

Doctor acquitted of terrorism charge

Khurram Sher was found not guilty of conspiring to facilitate terrorism, becoming the first Canadian tried on terror charges to be acquitted. Canada’s Anti-Terrorism Act was introduced in 2001 after the 9/11terrorist attacks on the United States.

The Crown had argued that Sher had joined a group in Canada seeking to support “violent jihad” by whatever means possible. Prosecuting lawyers said Sher had agreed to raise money, send cash, take paramilitary training, make and use explosives, and scout targets in Canada. They based their arguments on a meeting Sher had attended in July 2010 with two other men. One of them, Misbahuddin Ahmed has been found guilty of conspiring to facilitate a terrorist activity and participation in the activities of a terrorist group. The third alleged conspirator goes to trial in February.

Case not proven beyond a reasonable doubt

Justice Charles Hackland decided that Sher probably had some jihadist sympathies, but he was not convinced he really intended to join a conspiracy. As a result, the judge found the charge against him had not been proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

Sher’s lawyer said his client would focus on rebuilding a life that has been on hold for four years. He noted Sher’s career as a pathologist had ended, he had lost over a million dollars and his family has left.

Sher’s story became international news after reporters learned he had once auditioned as a singer on the Canadian Idol TV show.

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