A BC man, Hasibullah Yusufzai, accused of leaving the country to join Islamist fighters in Syria has been charged with a single count under a new law that considers it a criminal offence to leave or attempt to leave Canada to engage in terrorism.
Under the new law that came into effect last year, the 25-year-old from Burnaby can face 14 years if convicted.
"The accused is being sought for leaving Canada on January 21, 2014, to commit an offence for the benefit of, at the direction of or in association with a terrorist group, contrary to section 83.201 of the Criminal Code," RCMP Sgt. Greg Cox told media Wednesday.
The RCMP refused to make further comments on the matter but said that they will continue to work actively with their international partners on the case.
Charges were laid against Yusufzai last week, July 17.
