What we know about the alleged Kingston terror plot and the accused
A Kingston youth is facing several terror-related charges in connection with a national security investigation.
CityNews has uncovered new details about the accused at the centre of the alleged terror plot and their alleged online activity prior to their arrest.
In an interview with CityNews, Hussam Eddin Alzahabi, who was arrested by the RCMP then released without charges in connection with the investigation, spoke about his relationship and his online communication with the suspect.
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Alzahabi said the accused discussed plots and bombs through Facebook and What’s App.
“(The accused) talked a lot about that,” said Alzahabi. “(Investigators) thought I am encouraging (the accused) to do some things like that but I said to (the accused) and I tried to prevent… stuff like that, it’s not good, it doesn’t give any benefit for you.”
The records of the conversations were shown to him when he was in police custody, according to Alzahabi. CityNews has not verified the details of the alleged conversations.
The RCMP would not comment on the specifics of the communications between the accused and Alzahabi.
He told CityNews police accused him of being a terrorist, but it was just a “misunderstanding.”
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“There’s some accusation that I’m working with some terrorist, terrorism group. Yes, it’s just accusation.”
Alzahabi came to Canada with his family two years ago as a Syrian refugee after fleeing war-torn Damascus for Kuwait.
RCMP investigation still ongoing
RCMP officials say both the accused and Alzahabi have been a part of their investigation since it began and say the investigation is ongoing.
Kamran Bokhari, a National Security and Foreign Policy Specialist with the University of Ottawa, told CityNews there is a possibility that officials are still building their case.
“It could be that this second individual could be cooperating with authorities and therefore, they are holding off,” explained Bokhari.
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Police have yet to comment on a possible motive for the terror plot.
