Crown, Jewish group want 'exemplary sentence' for firebomber
Last Updated: Wednesday, September 24, 2008 | 6:37 PM ET
CBC News
The Canadian Jewish Congress is asking for an "exemplary sentence" for Azim Ibragimov, who firebombed a Montreal school two years ago.
Pre-sentencing arguments in Ibragimov's case got underway at a Montreal courthouse Wednesday before being put over until next month.
He pleaded guilty earlier this year to firebombing Skver-Toldos Orthodox Jewish Boys school in Outremont in 2006, and attempting to attack a community centre the following year.
Ibragimov has admitted to throwing a Molotov cocktail at the school and trying to set one off at the Snowdon YM-YWHA.
He also admitted to writing letters that claimed the crimes were committed in the name of Islamic Jihad, a militant group that has vowed to destroy Israel and set up an Islamic Palestinian state, and hinted more incidents would come.
On Wednesday, the court heard from a few witnesses, including police investigators, people close to Ibragimov and representatives of the Canadian Jewish Congress.
The congress asked the court for an "exemplary sentence" in what it called a hate crime that spread fear through the community, and led to millions of dollars in security upgrades at synagogues and other gathering places.
The Crown is also seeking a stiff sentence because of Ibragimov's direct role in the fireboming.
His former girlfriend, Anna Zelenko, told the court she didn't believe Ibragimov was racist because he knew she was part Jewish and had lived in Israel for seven years.
Zelenko told the court he never made any anti-Semitic remarks while they were together. She testified she chose not to marry Ibragimov because he's not very bright.
Ibragimov's hearing continues Oct. 15.
Omar Bulphred, the other man accused in the attack, is set to stand trial next month.
