A Canadian jury is hearing evidence in Ammara Amjad’s trial on a charge tied to ISIS as the defense disputes RCMP translations of messages said to be central to the prosecution case.
Global News reported Nov. 2 that the trial in Brampton, Ontario, began Oct. 22. The outlet said prosecutors rely heavily on messages between Amjad and her mother from Syria, and that the defense is challenging the accuracy of the translations.
Global News estimated the collection at about 10,000 text and audio files. The outlet reported that an RCMP constable spent roughly a year translating most of the Urdu material.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said Amjad returned to Canada April 4, 2023, and was arrested under a terrorism peace bond. Police said she was arrested again in Milton on Oct. 5, 2023, in connection with a charge under section 83.18 of the Criminal Code, formally listed as “Participating in activity of Terrorist Group.” The RCMP said she was released on bail conditions. The charge is an allegation.
Section 83.18 covers knowing involvement in a terrorist group’s activities when intended to strengthen its capacity to facilitate or carry out terrorist acts. The law also lists entering or remaining in a country for the group’s benefit, at its direction or in association with it as examples. The maximum penalty is 10 years in prison.
The case follows other ISIS-related proceedings, including an EconoTimes report on a Brooklyn jury’s consideration of an allegation that Halima Salman received Islamic State training.
The Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC) said Oumaima Chouay pleaded guilty in July 2025 to participating in ISIS activities. The service said Chouay traveled to Syria to join the group and knew she was expected to marry a fighter and raise children according to its doctrine. The PPSC described her as the first person convicted in Canada for providing family support to a terrorist entity as a spouse. It said she was not suspected of direct participation in terrorist activity, including combat.
