Ontario man sentenced to 20 years after pleading guilty to terrorism charges
Written by The Canadian Press on March 27, 2026
TORONTO — An Ontario man who pleaded guilty to three terrorism charges has been sentenced to 20 years in prison with the possibility of parole after 10 years.
Matthew Althorpe admitted to creating and publishing white supremacist propaganda as an active member of the terror group Atomwaffen Division, and an agreed statement of facts in the case said manifestos he published on Telegram inspired multiple terrorist attacks.
Superior Court Justice Jane Kelly said in her ruling this morning that the propaganda Althorpe created can never be erased and will continue to inspire more violent attacks, noting there is evidence his publications inspired at least six attacks that left several people killed and wounded.
Althorpe said in a January hearing that he regrets his past actions and renounces his extremist beliefs, and his defence lawyer requested a sentence of 12 to 14 years.
Kelly said in her decision that there is nonetheless concern that Althorpe may continue to harbour white supremacist ideology, and she noted there is a risk of reoffending.
She said the 20-year sentence is intended to send a message that terrorism is reprehensible and those who engage in it must pay a heavy price.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 27, 2026.
Kathryn Mannie, The Canadian Press