Young accused unaware of leader's 'fantasy' terrorism plot, defence argues

(Compiler's note: I was always told to select my friends carefully)

A militant conspiracy to attack Canadian targets was an unrealistic "jihadi fantasy" that was deliberately hidden from a young man on trial for his role in the alleged plot, an Ontario court heard Thursday.

The accused is one of 18 people in the Toronto area who were arrested under Canada's fledgling anti-terrorism laws in 2006. In the case, which attracted international attention, police alleged there was a homegrown militant plot bent on causing havoc in Canada, including by attacking Parliament Hill, beheading politicians and truck-bombing various targets such as nuclear power plants and RCMP headquarters.

The man currently on trial, who was 17 at the time of the alleged offences but is now 20, has pleaded not guilty to terrorism-related charges, including that he aided a militant group by shoplifting camping supplies and walkie-talkies. ....