Association for Defending Victims of Terrorism – Ottawa ISIS recruiter denounces jihad and said, ‘I have failed the Muslim community’
Awso Peshdary says he’s ashamed for betraying his Ottawa family and the Muslim community for his dark descent into violent extremism
Reputed ISIL recruiter and financier Awso Peshdary has publicly denounced jihad, saying he’s ashamed for betraying his Ottawa family and the Muslim community for his dark descent into violent extremism.
Peshdary’s five-year trial came to an abrupt end Thursday when the former terrorist pleaded guilty to all charges for his role in an Ottawa terror cell that was dismantled in 2015 by the Mounties.
Peshdary, 33, used his sentencing to firmly condemn jihad and took full responsibility.
“I understand that the full scope of my involvement in extremism has had a plethora of negative impacts.
“It undermined the fabric of safety held by the general population … I know I have betrayed my family’s expectations of me. I have also failed the Muslim community by being involved in things that are contrary to Islamic values,” Peshdary told court.
“I, with a voice embedded with growth, maturity and years of reflection, denounce my previously held extremist beliefs. I do this with a confidence that only a person who has walked out of that path can understand. I’m thankful to have the opportunity to continue my life and I hope my experience can be a learning lesson for those who have had similar ideologies,” Peshdary told court.
