Federal Crown attorney Lee-Ann Conrod speaks with reporters Wednesday after Ali Assakereh’s appearance in Halifax bail court on charges from a bomb threat against the local U.S. consulate last week. Assakereh faces a new charge of making a threat against an internationally protected person, which Conrod said is considered a terrorism offence. Photo by Steve BruceArticle contentPolice have laid a terrorism charge in the investigation into a bomb threat that closed several streets in downtown Halifax on Aug. 10.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 was originally charged with uttering threats against the U.S. consulate in Halifax and committing public mischief by misleading police.Article contentArticle contentThose charges were laid by Halifax Regional Police.Article contentOn Tuesday, the RCMP’s Atlantic national security enforcement section swore a new charge against Assakereh of making a threat against an internationally protected person: the office of the U.S. consulate general.Article contentArticle contentFederal Crown attorney Lee-Ann Conrod announced the additional charge Wednesday morning in Halifax bail court, where Assakereh was scheduled to seek his release.Article contentAssakereh appeared in court a few hours later, accompanied by a Farsi interpreter. Duty lawyer Bernie Thibault asked that the bail hearing be adjourned for a week, until Aug. 26, while the defence puts together a release plan.Article contentIt was the fourth time Assakereh’s bail hearing has been adjourned since he first appeared in court Aug. 11.Article contentThe U.S. consulate in Purdy’s Wharf on the Halifax waterfront received a bomb threat Aug. 9. Police were able to identify a suspect and began searching for him.Article content A member of the Halifax Regional Police explosive disposal unit walks towards a colleague Aug. 10 while investigating a bomb threat against the U.S. consulate in downtown Halifax. Ali Assakereh, 54, of Halifax now faces a third charge in connection with the incident: making a threat against an internationally protected person. Photo by Tim KrochakArticle contentOn Aug. 10 at about 8:10 a.m., they discovered the man’s vehicle in the parkade at Purdy’s Wharf. A propane tank and several containers believed to contain flammable liquid were visble in the vehicle, prompting police to call in their explosive disposal unit and evacuate a large area of the downtown. A suspicious bag was also found nearby.Article contentArticle contentAt 2 p.m., police confirmed the vehicle and its contents did not pose a risk to public safety, and all streets in the downtown core were reopened.Article contentAssakereh was arrested on Thomas Raddall Drive in Clayton Park that day at about 8:35 a.m. Out of concern that he might possess explosives, some roads in that area were closed while his belongings were searched.Article contentOutside court Wednesday, Conrod said the maximum penalty for the indictable offence of making a threat against an internationally protected person is 14 years in prison.Article content“This is a terrorism offence under the Criminal Code, and it’s defined as a terrorist activity,” the prosecutor said.Article contentUnlike the earlier charges, Conrod said the new charge is considered a reverse-onus situation when it comes to bail, meaning Assakereh must convince the court that he should be released from custody.Article content“It changes the landscape,” she told reporters.Article contentIn a news release Wednesday, RCMP said they take seriously “any threats that can affect one’s sense of security.Article content“Violent statements will not be tolerated. Perpetrators may face criminal charges involving significant sentences. Such incidents must be reported if we are to combat this type of crime.”Article contentThe U.S. consulate has refused to comment on the bomb threat, saying it does not publicly discuss security matters.Article content
Terrorism charge laid against Halifax man in U.S. consulate bomb threat case
