Ali Assakereh, a 54-year-old resident of Halifax, is now facing a new charge described by a Crown prosecutor as an act of terrorism. He appeared in Halifax provincial court for a bail hearing following charges laid in connection with an incident that led to a significant part of downtown being on lockdown.
A new charge was brought against Assakereh for threatening an internationally protected person, as the U.S. Consulate property falls under this definition according to the Criminal Code. The federal Crown prosecutor stated that this charge constitutes a terrorism offense under the Criminal Code, with a maximum sentence of five years upon conviction.
Initially, Assakereh was charged by Halifax Regional Police with uttering threats and public mischief. His case has been adjourned multiple times, and he will remain in custody until the next hearing. The new charge alters the bail proceedings, shifting the burden on the accused to justify their release from custody.
Assakereh made his first in-person appearance in court since his arrest, dressed in a grey sweater and sweatpants. During the hearing, he attempted to speak to the court but was directed to communicate through his legal counsel by Judge Ann Marie Simmons.
The arrest of Assakereh followed the discovery of a suspicious vehicle at Purdy’s Wharf parking garage, leading to a lockdown of downtown Halifax. The vehicle, containing a propane tank and flammable liquids, triggered the evacuation of nearby buildings and a temporary standstill in the city center. The lockdown was lifted once the police confirmed there was no longer a threat to public safety.
The ongoing developments in Assakereh’s case have garnered significant attention, with concerns raised about the implications of the new charge on his bail situation. The legal proceedings are expected to continue as more details emerge.
