A Calgary resident found guilty of three terrorism-related charges is facing a suggested 16-year prison term from prosecutors. Jamal Taan Borhot, aged 35, fought for ISIS in Syria for almost a year alongside his cousin Hussein Borhot, starting in 2013.
During sentencing arguments before Court of King’s Bench Justice Corina Dario, the prosecution recommended the 16-year term, while defense attorneys Pawel Milczarek and Mackenzie McCaffrey requested a 12-year sentence. The judge reserved her decision until February 4.
Justice Dario convicted Borhot based on various evidence, including travel records, Facebook messages, and intercepted phone conversations with family and friends. The prosecution presented proof that Borhot not only trained and fought for ISIS but also assumed a leadership role within the organization, creating propaganda videos and attempting to recruit others.
Despite letters of support portraying Borhot as courteous and kind, the prosecution argued that his actions contradicted these claims. Borhot admitted to joining a terrorist group, wielding a weapon, and boasting about causing casualties in a Facebook message.
Although the offenses occurred over a decade ago, Borhot and his cousin were charged by the RCMP in 2020. Hussein pleaded guilty in 2022 and received a 12-year sentence. Jamal’s trial faced delays due to legal proceedings and changes in defense representation.
In 2024, Justice Dario dismissed a defense motion to halt the case due to these delays. The judge is expected to announce Borhot’s sentence in the coming weeks.