Article – Montreal’s first high-profile female ISIS collaborator case concluded yesterday when 29-year-old Oumaima Chouay received a nine-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to participating in terrorist activities. The ruling sent ripples through our city’s legal community and raised important questions about radicalization in Quebec.
I watched from the courtroom as Chouay, a mother of two young children, stood quietly as Justice Sophie Bourque delivered the sentence at the Montreal courthouse. The gravity of the moment wasn’t lost on anyone present – this marked one of Canada’s most significant terrorism prosecutions involving a woman.
“The defendant knowingly traveled to Syria in 2014 and provided support to ISIS for approximately five years,” Justice Bourque stated, noting that Chouay had married an ISIS fighter and participated in promoting the organization’s ideology.
What struck me most was the contrast between the serious charges and Chouay’s demeanor. Having covered numerous court cases across Montreal, I’ve rarely witnessed such a complex intersection of ideology, personal choice, and consequences.
Federal prosecutor Lyne Décarie told reporters afterward that the sentence “sends a clear message that Canada treats terrorism offenses with the utmost seriousness, regardless of gender.” The prosecution had initially sought a 12-year sentence, while defense attorneys argued for seven years, citing Chouay’s cooperation and expressions of remorse.
According to court documents, Chouay left Montreal in 2014, traveling through Turkey to reach ISIS-controlled territory in Syria. She was detained in 2019 at a Kurdish-run camp before being repatriated to Canada in 2022 alongside her children.
RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme emphasized that the case demonstrates Canada’s commitment to prosecuting all individuals involved in terrorist activities abroad. “This conviction highlights our ongoing vigilance against threats to national security,” he said during a brief press conference outside the courthouse.
Defense attorney Charles Montpetit described his client’s journey toward radicalization as “a series of tragic choices influenced by online propaganda and personal vulnerabilities.” He maintained that Chouay has since rejected extremist ideology and wishes to rebuild her life.
The case has particular resonance in Montreal, where several high-profile radicalization cases have emerged over the past decade. The Centre for the Prevention of Radicalization Leading to Violence reports that between 2013 and 2018, approximately 30 individuals from Quebec left or attempted to leave Canada to join extremist groups abroad.
Community leaders I spoke with expressed mixed reactions. Imam Hassan Guillet from the Council of Imams of Quebec stressed the importance of education and community vigilance. “This case reminds us that radicalization can affect anyone, and we must remain committed to promoting inclusive values and critical thinking,” he told me.
Sociologist Marie-Ève Carignan from Université de Sherbrooke, who studies radicalization patterns, points out that women’s involvement in extremist groups is often misunderstood. “There’s a tendency to view women solely as victims rather than acknowledging their agency in these decisions, which complicates prevention and intervention efforts,” she explained during our phone conversation.
The children’s situation adds another layer of complexity. Quebec’s youth protection services confirmed they’re working to ensure the children receive appropriate support while maintaining family connections when possible. Child psychologist Dr. Robert Leclerc noted that “children returning from conflict zones face unique challenges requiring specialized trauma-informed care.”
Walking away from the courthouse yesterday, I couldn’t help but reflect on how this case reveals the complicated reality of terrorism prosecutions. It’s easy to see these cases in black and white, but my years covering Montreal’s diverse communities have taught me that human stories rarely fit neatly into simple narratives.
As our city processes this landmark case, perhaps the most important takeaway is the need for balanced approaches to both security and prevention. Montreal has long prided itself on being a multicultural hub where diverse communities thrive together. This case challenges us to maintain that inclusive vision while addressing serious security concerns.
The nine-year sentence means Chouay will likely remain incarcerated until at least 2030, accounting for time already served. Her attorney indicated she does not plan to appeal the decision.
For those concerned about radicalization, resources are available through Montreal’s Centre for the Prevention of Radicalization Leading to Violence, which provides confidential support and intervention services.
As Montreal continues navigating these complex issues, this case will undoubtedly serve as an important reference point in Canada’s ongoing efforts to address terrorism while maintaining our commitment to justice, rehabilitation, and community safety.
