Duty defence lawyer Lonny Queripel takes questions from reporters Friday after appearing in Halifax bail court on behalf of Ali Assakereh, who’s in custody on charges of making a bomb threat against the local U.S. consulate. Queripel got Assakereh’s bail hearing adjourned until Wednesday. Photo by Steve BruceArticle contentA man accused of making a bomb threat that closed several downtown Halifax streets Monday has consented to remain in custody until at least Wednesday while his lawyer works on a bail plan.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentAli Assakereh, 54, of Halifax faces charges of uttering threats against the U.S. consulate in Halifax and committing public mischief by misleading police.Article contentArticle contentAssakereh was arrested Monday morning, shortly after police investigating a bomb threat received Sunday discovered his vehicle in the parkade at Purdy’s Wharf, where the consulate is located.Article contentArticle contentA propane tank was visible in the vehicle, along with several containers believed to contain flammable liquid, prompting Halifax Regional Police to call in their explosive disposal unit and evacuate a large area of the downtown. A suspicious bag was also found nearby.Article contentCourt proceedingsArticle contentAfter two previous adjournments, Assakareh was supposed to have a bail hearing Friday in Halifax bail court, but duty defence lawyer Lonny Queripel appeared on his behalf and requested the matter be put off until Wednesday.Article contentOutside court, Queripel told reporters he and Crown attorney Brennan MacDonald are trying to sort out exactly what they’re dealing with.Article content“From (the Crown’s) perspective, I think there’s still investigation ongoing,” the Nova Scotia Legal Aid lawyer said. “For me, we really need to know what we’re dealing with before we attempt to present a bail plan to the court. So, we’re still working on that.”Article contentQueripel said more charges against his client “apparently are a possibility.”Article contentArticle content“Without knowing for sure whether that’s going to happen, it’s very difficult for us to address bail, and it would be very difficult for a judge to make a decision,” he explained. “I’m hoping that that issue is sorted out by next Wednesday.”Article content Police officers stand on Cogswell Street after a large area of downtown Halifax was evacuated Monday during an investigation into a bomb threat against the U.S. consulate in Purdy’s Wharf. Photo by Tim KrochakArticle contentQueripel said if more charges are laid, “the goal posts are moving and it’s difficult to know what a court would consider appropriate bail. So, it’s quite possible that there are new charges next Wednesday and again (we’re) not in a position to constructively deal with bail.Article content“It’s an ongoing investigation and it’s a complex investigation. I think my opponents are trying to determine what it is they’re dealing with. Until they’re clear, I guess, on what they believe they’re dealing with, it’s difficult for me to respond.”Article contentThe lawyer said he has been able to have good conversations with Assakereh with the assistance of a court-appointed Farsi interpreter.Article content“He is . . . somewhat frustrated with the situation but understands the circumstances,” Queripel said of the accused. “I’ve had no difficulty talking to him about what we need to accomplish and getting his co-operation.
Bail hearing in Halifax bomb threat case adjourned for third time
