Oumaima Chouay, who joined ISIS as a teen, sentenced in Canada for aiding a terrorist group by supporting her ISIS fighter spouse in Syria.
First-Ever Conviction for Spousal Support to Terrorist Group
A Montreal woman who left Canada as a teenager to join the Islamic State in Syria has become the first person in Canadian legal history convicted of aiding a terrorist organization by providing spousal and family support. Oumaima Chouay, now 29, was sentenced on Monday following a joint submission from prosecutors and her defence.
Court Sentencing Reflects Time Served and Rehabilitation
Chouay was handed a sentence of one day in custody—deemed already served alongside 110 days of pretrial detention—and placed under a three-year probation order. The ruling took into account her expression of remorse and her participation in deradicalization programs. The Public Prosecution Service of Canada emphasized her demonstrated commitment to rejecting extremism.
Decade-Long Path from Radicalization to Repatriation
According to an agreed statement of facts filed in court, Chouay left Montreal as a teenager to join ISIS, fully aware she would marry a fighter and raise children within the group’s ideology. She was not involved in combat or direct terrorist activity but supported the group through her domestic role. Her two daughters, born in Syria, returned with her to Canada in 2022 during a federal repatriation mission.
Arrested Upon Arrival, Evaluated as Low-Risk
After returning from two northern Syrian detention camps as part of a humanitarian repatriation initiative, Chouay was arrested upon landing in Canada. Following her return, she underwent “depolarization therapy” and was assessed by the RCMP as posing a “very low” risk of reoffending. Authorities confirmed she does not present a significant threat to public safety.
Legal Landmark for Canada’s Response to ISIS Returnees
The case sets a legal precedent, as few repatriated Canadians have faced charges due to evidentiary limitations. Chouay’s prosecution highlights both the challenges and the legal avenues available in handling citizens who joined terrorist entities abroad. Another repatriated woman, Kimberly Polman of British Columbia, still awaits trial on similar charges.
Human Rights Advocates Applaud Domestic Prosecution
Lawrence Greenspon, a defence lawyer involved in efforts to repatriate Canadian women and children from Syrian camps, praised the outcome. “She’s faced justice here in Canada as it should be,” he said. Greenspon had previously secured court orders leading to the return of six women and 23 children, citing humanitarian concerns and the inability to prosecute them effectively abroad.
Case Highlights Canada’s Challenge in Balancing Justice and Security
While Chouay’s sentence may appear lenient, experts argue it balances the realities of limited evidence, successful rehabilitation, and the importance of domestic accountability. Her case underscores the legal and moral complexities in dealing with returnees from terrorist conflict zones and may shape future prosecutions under Canadian anti-terrorism laws.
For continuous coverage and real-time updates, keep following Maple News Wire.
