CP NewsAlert: Calgary man who joined ISIS sentenced to 16 years on terrorism offences

By Canadian Press on February 4, 2026.

CALGARY — A judge has sentenced a Calgary man who joined an Islamic State terrorist group in the Middle East to 16 years in prison.

Jamal Borhot, who is 35, was convicted in December on three counts of participating in a terrorist group.

The sentence will be reduced by about four months for time he has already spent in custody, and he must serve at least half before he’s eligible for parole.

Court heard Borhot travelled to Syria with a cousin in 2013 and willingly joined ISIS.

There was evidence he participated in violent acts, actively recruited others to join the cause and was prepared to kill for his beliefs.

The Crown had recommended the 16 years, arguing that Borhot took on a role of commander for ISIS, created videos and attempted to recruit others.

Borhot’s lawyer said he became radicalized but lived a peaceful life after returning to Canada.

His cousin Hussein Borhot pleaded guilty in a separate trial and was sentenced to 12 years.

More coming.

Bill Graveland, The Canadian Press

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