REMAINING ACCUSED IN PROJECT OSAGE FOUND GUILTY

Ottawa – June 23, 2010 – Asad Ansari, 25, and Steven Vikash Chand, 29, were found guilty today in Ontario Superior Court of terrorism-related charges by a jury of their peers, the Public Prosecution Service of Canada confirmed.

Both men were found guilty of participation in a terrorist group contrary to section 83.18(1) of the Criminal Code, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Steven Vikash Chand was also found guilty of one count of counselling to commit fraud over $5000 for the benefit of a terrorist group contrary to section 83.2 of the Criminal Code, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Sentencing will occur at a later date. Both men have 30 days to decide whether they will seek to appeal the decision.

The PPSC can now confirm that on May 3, 2010, Fahim Ahmad, 25, pleaded guilty to one count of instructing to carry out activity for a terrorist group contrary to section 83.21(1), which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. He also pleaded guilty to participation in a terrorist group and importing firearms for the benefit of the group, contrary to sections 83.18(1) and 83.2 of the Criminal Code. These last two counts carry maximum penalties of 10 years and life imprisonment respectively.

The PPSC is an independent organization responsible for prosecuting cases under federal jurisdiction and for providing prosecution-related legal advice to law enforcement agencies.

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