Criminal Zak and Michelle
25 snips
Oct 10, 2025 Zakaria Amara, a former member of the Toronto 18, shares his journey from terrorist convictions to rehabilitation after nearly 17 years in prison. Journalist Michelle Shephard, who covered the case extensively, discusses the media's role and the consequences of Islamophobia. Zak opens up about his radicalization post-9/11, the planning behind the bomb plot, and the emotional toll of isolation during his incarceration. They delve into his struggles for parole and the challenges of reintegrating into society while confronting his past.
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Reporting Amid Hidden Investigations
- Michelle Shephard pieced together rumours about a northern training camp despite initial skepticism from editors and police.
- Early accurate tips were kept secret by investigators, which later signalled an active undercover operation.
Unexpected Post‑Prison Meeting
- Zakaria Amara reached out to Michelle Shephard after parole to reconnect with the reporter who covered his case.
- They met for coffee, talked for hours, and began an ongoing contact that surprised Michelle.
The Northern Training Camp
- Zak and Fahim held a training camp two hours north of Toronto using paintball guns and one real firearm for practice.
- Neighbors noticed camouflaged men, heard gunfire, and one recruit was an undercover RCMP agent.
