The federal police force released a statement revealing that it has seen what it considers troubling signs of violent extremism and terrorist utilization of the internet, particularly among young people, as it arrested another youth on charges related to terrorism, marking the fifth such arrest in 2023. The youth from Ottawa was charged with two terrorist-related offenses that the police say were directed at the Jewish community. However, no further details were released due to the age of the suspects, and it is also stated that additional minors have been arrested for similar offenses this year.
The RCMP urged parents, teachers, and other authority figures to be observant of behaviors linked to violent extremism. Such signs include adopting an “us vs. them” narrative, the belief that violence is the only solution, dehumanization of others, and extreme anti-government attitudes. The law enforcement agency emphasized the importance of recognizing early warning signs and intervening in order to prevent involvement in criminal activities and mobilization towards violent behavior.
However, Phil Gurski, a former Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) analyst specializing in jihadi terrorism, expressed a view that more context was needed regarding the online radicalization problem. According to him, online activities are a definite part of it, but the issue lies in the ways people connect online to learn extremist ideologies. Meanwhile, it is emphasized that, despite some experts’ and CSIS’ opinions, violence committed in the name of Islam still represents the majority of worldwide terrorist acts.
The RCMP is not only addressing the Ottawa case, as a significant number of other minors across Canada, particularly from Calgary and Montreal, have been involved in terrorism-related activities earlier in the year. Some of them have been taken into custody while others have been found guilty and sentenced. The Muslim Association of Canada expressed concern for the young people involved.