**Title: Ontario Man Pleads Guilty to Terrorism Charges**

A 29-year-old man from the Niagara region has pleaded guilty to multiple terrorism-related charges in a Toronto courtroom. Matthew Althorpe admitted to producing recruitment videos for the neo-Nazi group Atomwaffen Division and writing manifestos that inspired violent acts globally. His plea comes as prosecutors seek a 20-year prison sentence.

During the court proceedings, Althorpe stood in the prisoner’s box as his family observed. He pleaded guilty to three charges: facilitating terrorist activity, instructing others to carry out terrorist acts, and promoting hatred against identifiable groups. The Atomwaffen Division, which has been designated a terrorist entity by several countries, including Canada, was the focus of Althorpe's activities.

The courtroom was shown disturbing videos created by Althorpe, featuring armed individuals in skull masks burning religious texts and flags. A narrator in one video ominously stated, "To secure our race and a future for our children, we will vanquish the modern world in totality. Join us or perish with the rest."

Federal Crown attorney Amber Pashuk detailed Althorpe's involvement in the production and dissemination of these videos on the social media platform Telegram. Althorpe was identified as a participant in the videos, with his voice recorded in the footage found on his electronic devices.

Beyond online activities, Althorpe also recruited a small group of neo-Nazis in the Greater Hamilton area, training them as a militia through hikes and mixed martial arts. Pashuk described Althorpe as a leader within the group, managing several Telegram channels that promoted racist, antisemitic, and homophobic content.

Althorpe was instrumental in creating three manifestos between June 2021 and July 2022. These publications advocated for violence, including attacks on critical infrastructure, police officers, and mass casualty events. Pashuk noted that the manifestos have been cited in at least five terrorist attacks, including a shooting at a Slovakian gay bar and a stabbing near a mosque in Turkey.

The prosecution is pushing for a 20-year sentence, while Althorpe's defense attorney, Robb MacDonald, argues for a maximum of 14 years. A mental health assessment has been ordered, and a sentencing hearing will be scheduled after its completion. MacDonald stated that Althorpe has "unequivocally" distanced himself from his previous beliefs and hopes the assessment will provide insight into this change.

Althorpe has been in custody since his arrest by the RCMP in December 2023. Another individual, 27-year-old Kristoffer Nippak, who was arrested alongside Althorpe, is set to face trial in January on charges related to participating in terrorist activities. Police investigations revealed a collection of materials, including clothing and firearms, that demonstrated Nazi and fascist ideologies in both Althorpe's and Nippak's residences.

As the court session concluded, Althorpe confirmed the accuracy of the facts presented by the prosecution, stating, "Yes, Your Honour."