Pamir Hakimzadah of Toronto pleads guilty to trying to join ISIS militants in Syria
29-year-old was arrested in Turkey, then reported by family to police in Canada
A 29-year-old Ontario man admitted Friday that he left Canada four years ago to try to join Islamic State militants in Syria after harbouring increasingly radical beliefs.
Pamir Hakimzadah, who is from Toronto, pleaded guilty to one count of leaving Canada to participate in a terrorist activity.
"The purpose of Pamir's trip was to enter Syria via Turkey," Walsh said. "There he intended to join a terrorist group known as ISIS or Daesh."
Taxi driver suspected attempt to join ISIS
The trip took place as Hakimzadah "exhibited increasingly radical Islamic beliefs," Walsh said.
"He spoke either in favour or in defence of ISIS," the prosecutor said. "He viewed online ISIS content such as videos and posts. He also viewed a website that provided instructions on how to get into Syria."
Four days after he arrived in Turkey, a taxi driver suspected Hakimzadah was attempting to join the terrorist group and turned him in to police, court heard.
Turkish authorities detained the lone traveller and deported Hakimzadah back to Canada on Nov. 19, 2014. He was also banned from Turkey for a year, court heard.
Hakimzadah "had previously commented that Muslims are being oppressed all over the world and that it's up to other Muslims to go fight," Walsh said.
Family member reported him to police
His family did not share his views.
After he returned from Turkey, he admitted he left Canada to contribute "to the fight for Allah," but was caught beforehand, court heard. A family member reported Hakimzadah to police.
Hakimzadah, dressed in a black sweater over a white collared shirt and black dress pants, sat quietly in the prisoner box during the proceedings. He smiled at his family in the courtroom while he was led out in handcuffs.
His brother smiled back, his father waved and his mother wept.
Hakimzadah returns to court on Feb. 26 for a sentencing hearing.