Top court to hear terrorism law challenge
The Supreme Court of Canada said Thursday the first person ever charged under anti-terror laws will have a chance to appeal the legal definition of “terrorist activity.” Momin Khawaja was sentenced to 10 ½ years in prison in 2008 after he was convicted of five terrorism charges, but Ontario’s highest court later increased his sentence to life with no chance of parole for 10 years. Khawaja’s lawyer has argued to Ontario’s appeals court that the definition of “terrorist activity” is unconstitutional, but the court rejected the appeal. His lawyer says the definition violates the Charter right to express religious beliefs and political opinions because it requires the terrorist act to be done for political, religious or ideological reasons. Khawaja’s lawyer is expected to also try to get his sentence reduced.
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