Kawam Sentenced for Terrorism-related Offences
News Release
New Westminster (British Columbia) – October 29, 2026 – Today, in the Supreme Court of British Columbia, Abdul Aziz Kawam was sentenced to 15 years for attempted murder and 20 months for aggravated assault. The sentences will be served consecutively for a total of 16 years and 8 months.
On June 30, 2025, the court found the offender guilty of terrorism-related offences in connection with an attack on a public bus in Surrey, British Columbia on April 1, 2023. The court concluded that the accused carried out acts intended to advance the objectives of a terrorist group, specifically the Islamic State. The court further found that the attack was carried out “for the benefit of, at the direction of, and in association with” the Islamic State.
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Director of Public Prosecutions George Dolhai said:
“This was a deliberate attack meant to cause suspicion and fear of each other as we go about our lives together in public spaces. Although the individual responsible claimed to act on behalf of the Islamic State, these actions were an attack on all Canadians, including Canadian Muslims. The violence was carried out in support of an ideological-political organization, not the Islamic faith. Attempts to misuse or misrepresent any religion for extremist purposes highlight the importance of firmly rejecting ideological violence to help maintain the unity and trust that Canadians value.”
Quick Facts
- The Public Prosecution Service of Canada is a national organization responsible for prosecuting offences under federal jurisdiction in a manner that is free of any improper influence and that respects the public interest.
- Terrorism charges can only be laid with the consent of the Attorney General, which may be given on the Attorney General’s behalf by the Director of Public Prosecutions or a Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions.
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Contacts
Media Relations
media@ppsc-sppc.gc.ca
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