The Crown is seeking to appeal the 14-year sentence meted out last month to a confessed bomb-plotter in the so-called "Toronto 18" case.
"The sentence is not proportionate to the gravity of the offence," the Attorney-General said in a filing released yesterday.
"The trial judge unduly emphasized considerations of rehabilitation ... and failed to adequately address considerations of denunciation and general deterrence," the documents say.
The 14-year sentence was handed to Saad Khalid, 23, after he confessed his role in what he admitted was a "despicable" scheme.
Until yesterday, the punishment was seen as a benchmark for other accused. Under Canada's corrections policies, Mr. Khalid is likely to spend only two more years in a penitentiary before he is paroled - unless he is handed a stiffer sentence.
Another person convicted in the case is to be sentenced tomorrow. The remaining accused in the case are to face trial this winter.
Prosecutors allege a cell of homegrown Islamic extremists plotted to bomb targets in downtown Toronto, including the spy service headquarters, the Toronto Stock Exchange, and a Canadian Forces base on Highway 401.
Colin Freeze