Calgary Man Who Joined ISIS Given 16-Year Sentence Over Terrorism Charges

The Court of King’s Bench sentenced a Calgary man who left Canada and joined ISIS in the Middle East to 16 years in jail following a conviction on terrorism charges.

Jamal Borhot, 35, was found guilty in December 2025 on three counts of participating in a terrorist group. Canada listed ISIS, also known as Islamic State, as a terrorist entity in 2012.

Justice Corina Dario called terrorism “the most vile form of criminal conduct,” as she sentenced Borhot on Feb. 4.

Dario said the sentence must “send a clear and unmistakable message that terrorism is reprehensible,” she said, adding that the sentence must also show that those who engage in terrorism will “pay a heavy, substantial price.”

According to Dario, Borhot was “willing to slaughter anyone who wouldn’t convert to Islam.”

The court heard that Borhot travelled to Syria with his cousin in 2013 and joined ISIS. Evidence showed that he participated in violent acts, actively recruited others to join the group, and was prepared to kill for what he believed. The Crown argued that Borhot was a commander for ISIS and created videos for the group.

Borhot’s cousin Hussein Borhot pleaded guilty to terrorism charges in a separate trial and was sentenced to 12 years in jail.

Jamal Borhot’s lawyer told the court that his client had been radicalized, but noted that since returning to Canada he has been peaceful.

Borhot stayed in Syria for nearly a year and was charged by the RCMP in 2020.

Dario noted that Borhot made hate-filled comments about non-Muslims and expressed a wish to kill them.

“There is no evidence the offender’s views have changed,” Dario said. “Mr. Borhot has not expressed remorse or taken responsibility for his offences.”

The sentence will be reduced for time already served, which will cut about four months off of the 16-years term.

Borhot is not eligible to apply for parole until he has served at least half his sentence. The court also ordered a lifetime weapons ban.

Director of Public Prosecutions George Dolhai said that the conviction of Borhot demonstrated the public prosecution service in Canada holds those who engage in terrorism offences accountable for their actions.

“Our work helps protect the safety of the public while ensuring prosecutions are conducted fairly and independently,” Dolhai said in a Feb. 4 Public Prosecution Service Canada news release.

The Canadian Press contributed to this report.