Zak and Michelle | Criminal Podcast
- Aug 14, 2026
- 30:44
- Full Episode
In 2006, a group of young men and teenagers were arrested under the Canadian Anti-Terrorism Act for planning to set off bombs in Toronto. They were known as the Toronto 18. One of the group’s leaders was a 20-year-old named Zakaria Amara.
Michelle Shephard wrote about Zakaria Amara for The Walrus magazine. (https://thewalrus.ca/how-a-would-be-bomber-rebuilt-his-life/)
Criminal is a show about people who’ve done wrong, been wronged, or gotten caught somewhere in the middle. Hosted by Phoebe Judge. Part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.
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Episode 335 originally published October 10, 2025. https://thisiscriminal.com/episode-335-zak-and-michelle-10-10-2025
Music in this episode: “Headlights-Mountain Road” by Blue Dot Sessions “Bogo” by Blue Dot Sessions “Li Fonte” by Blue Dot Sessions “Trailmaker” by Blue Dot Sessions “The Telling” by Blue Dot Sessions “Denzel Sprak” by Blue Dot Sessions “Galaxy Shard” by Blue Dot Sessions “When The Guests Have Left” by Blue Dot Sessions “Taoudella _ No Percussion” by Blue Dot Sessions
Brief Summary
The episode details the Toronto 18 arrests and Zakaria Amara's journey from radicalization to rehabilitation.
Key points
- The Toronto 18 Arrests. In June 2006, 18 individuals were arrested for planning bomb attacks in Toronto, known as the Toronto 18.
- Zac Amara's Regret. Zac Amara reflects on his past actions and the impact on his community and family.
- The Kafkaesque Process. Zach's friend Faheem Aamad shares his frustrating experience with the parole board's requirements.
- Zach's Parole Journey. After 17 years in prison, Zach Amara is finally granted parole, marking a significant change in his life.
- Life After Prison. Zach navigates the challenges of reintegration into society, facing both hope and difficulty.
Episode highlights
- The Toronto 18 ArrestsIn June 2006, 18 individuals were arrested for planning bomb attacks in Toronto, known as the Toronto 18.“In the end, 18 people were arrested under the Canadian Anti-terrorism Act.”2:35Aug 14, 2026
- Zac Amara's RegretZac Amara reflects on his past actions and the impact on his community and family.“I cannot imagine the type of embarrassment or anxiety you must have gone through.”18:53Aug 14, 2026
- The Kafkaesque ProcessZach's friend Faheem Aamad shares his frustrating experience with the parole board's requirements.“It's this sort of, you know, almost Kafka process.”23:38Aug 14, 2026
- Zach's Parole JourneyAfter 17 years in prison, Zach Amara is finally granted parole, marking a significant change in his life.“In 2022, Zach was granted parole.”24:32Aug 14, 2026
- Life After PrisonZach navigates the challenges of reintegration into society, facing both hope and difficulty.“It's hard, you know. One Google search and your name comes up.”27:25Aug 14, 2026
