English
A Halifax man accused of threatening to bomb the United States Consulate appeared in a Nova Scotia courtroom on Monday, but his case has been delayed once again. Judge Paul Scovil adjourned the proceedings until November 30 after the defence requested more time.
Defence Seeks More Time to Review Charges
Ali Assakereh’s legal aid lawyer, Krysten Stevens, asked the court for additional time to review new charges recently filed against her client. Federal Crown prosecutor Lee-Ann Conrod said she had hoped the case would move forward on Monday. “It is the same disclosure and same facts, so we were hoping the matter would move forward today,” Conrod told the court.
Stay connected to every major update — subscribe and follow us on the PhoenixQ website and across our social media platforms.
Assakereh, 54, now faces five charges in total. These include threatening an internationally protected person and hoax terrorist activity. He has remained in custody since his arrest on August 10.
Arrest Followed Bomb Scare in Downtown Halifax
Police arrested Assakereh on August 10 after he allegedly placed a propane tank and flammable liquids in his car and parked it near the consulate in downtown Halifax. Officers shut down several streets in the area while they safely approached and inspected the vehicle. Authorities also found a suspicious bag nearby.
Initially, Assakereh faced charges of uttering threats and public mischief. However, on August 18, prosecutors added a charge of threatening an internationally protected person. This charge relates to allegedly targeting premises used by consular representatives. Conrod noted that this offence carries serious consequences. “That offence is defined as a terrorism offence under the Criminal Code. None of the other charges are a terrorism offence. We’ve given notice that that would have a maximum penalty of life imprisonment,” she said.
Additional Charges Laid in October
Halifax Regional Police laid two further charges on October 22, both related to hoax terrorist activity. The first charge involves committing an act of hoax terrorism. The second involves conveying information that would lead a person to believe a terrorist act was taking place.
Conrod said she remains hopeful the case will progress when it returns to court on November 30. Assakereh has been held in custody throughout the proceedings since his arrest earlier this year.
