KITCHENER -- A Guelph man has been charged with two terrorism-related offences after spending some time in Turkey.
In a Friday news release, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police say that Ikar Mao, 22, has been charged with participation in activity of terrorist group and leaving Canada to participate in activity of a terrorist group.
The charges come as the result of a "national secuirty investigation."
"I want to reassure the citizens of the Greater Toronto Area and all Canadians, that our primary focus is the safety and protection of the public at all times," said Chief Supt. Michael LeSage in a news release issued on Friday morning.
The RCMP says that Mao was in Turkey and held in custody, but there was no conviction registered there.
A family member who works in Guelph told CTV on Friday that he had been in the Middle East for his honeymoon.
He was arrested at the RCMP Airport Detachment after turning himself in to the authorities, Crown attorney Howard Piafsky told reporters.
"I'm aware the matter is being investigated thoroughly and independently by the RCMP," says Minister of Public Safety Bill Blair.
"I'm also advised that charges have been laid in respect to that investigation."
Mao was charged in Canada on Friday and is scheduled to make a court appearance in Brampton.
Guelph police say a resident of the city was arrested there on Nov. 10 by the RCMP. In their press release was an attached media report indicating it was Mao.
None of the allegations have been proven in court.
This is a developing story. More to come…
