The legal representative of an individual accused of making threats to bomb the U.S. Consulate in Halifax has stated that the defendant is not prepared to request bail at this time. Ali Assakereh, aged 54, was apprehended on August 10 for allegedly placing a propane tank and flammable substances in his vehicle and parking it close to the consulate, resulting in evacuations in a significant portion of downtown Halifax. Aside from charges of mischief and uttering threats, Assakereh is also facing a charge under the Criminal Code for making threats against internationally protected individuals, including diplomats, which the Crown deems as a terrorist act.
During a court hearing, Lonny Queripel, the legal aid lawyer representing Assakereh, informed the court that although efforts were being made with the accused’s family to devise a bail plan, it would not be ready for some time. Assakereh has agreed to remain in custody, with the defense indicating that they will notify the court when they are prepared to pursue bail.
Assakereh, visibly emotional, attended the hearing in person, clad in a gray sweater and sweatpants, showing signs of distress and receiving tissues from a sheriff. Language translation was provided in Farsi, the primary language spoken in Iran. This marked the sixth adjournment of Assakereh’s bail hearing, with the Crown opposing his release. The next court appearance for Assakereh is scheduled for September 10 to enter a plea and disclose the choice of trial format.
Federal attorney Lee-Ann Conrod clarified that the charge related to threats against internationally protected individuals typically carries a maximum sentence of five years, contrary to her prior statement to reporters indicating a 14-year maximum. The prosecution intends to seek a lengthier sentence due to the alleged terrorist nature of the threat against diplomats, although they do not plan to pursue a life sentence.
Authorities were made aware of the bomb threat on August 9, discovering Assakereh’s vehicle parked near the consulate the following morning. Assakereh was apprehended in Halifax shortly after. The explosives in his car were later confirmed to pose no danger, leading to the lifting of all evacuation orders. These events occurred shortly after two suspects were charged with shooting at the U.S. Consulate in Toronto in July, the second such incident this year.
No injuries were reported in either incident at the consulate.
