Edmonton Woman Under Strict Restrictions After Court’s Peace Bond Decision

Reported by Pushpa

 

This week, an Edmonton woman named Aimee Lucia Vasconez found herself under a court-approved terrorism peace bond after federal prosecutors alleged her involvement with ISIS. Although she faces no criminal charges, Vasconez must adhere to a strict set of conditions for the next 12 months.

 

Background on Vasconez

A year ago, the government brought Vasconez home from Syria, where she had been captured during ISIS’s defeat. According to the RCMP, Vasconez lived in ISIS-held territory, joined an ISIS battalion, and received military training. She had traveled to Syria in 2015 with her children and husband, Ali Abdel-Jabar, who died fighting for ISIS. She later remarried, but her second husband also died in combat.

 

Peace Bond Conditions

Vasconez agreed to several restrictions, including:

– Staying in an Edmonton apartment

– Remaining in Alberta

– Not possessing travel documents

– Not having internet-capable devices

Her lawyer, Yoah Niv, confirmed she understood and would comply with these conditions. The judge imposed these measures for public safety, based on the RCMP’s allegations.

 

Capture and Return

In February 2019, U.S.-backed Kurdish forces captured Vasconez. She spent four years in a detention camp before the Canadian government secured her release in April 2023. Upon her return, the RCMP arrested her, and Crown prosecutors sought the peace bond to mitigate potential terrorism risks.

 

Peace Bonds as a Response

Peace bonds have become a common way for Canada to handle the threat posed by women returning from ISIS. Of the nine women who have returned, only two have faced criminal charges, while others, like Vasconez, have been subjected to peace bonds.

 

Upcoming Cases

Two other Edmonton women, Helena Carson and Dina Kalouti, are scheduled for similar peace bond hearings in July. Meanwhile, Global Affairs Canada has also brought back 22 Canadian children from ISIS camps, most recently two weeks ago.

 

Ongoing Concerns

The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) continues to monitor the security threats posed by returning women and collaborates with the RCMP on appropriate measures. Despite key ISIS figures being killed in 2023, CSIS warns that the threat of attacks inspired by the group remains.

 

Stay informed as we continue to cover these important developments in national security.