Halifax bomb threat suspect could face life in prison on terror charge: Crown
The suspect in the bomb threat made against the U.S. Consulate in Halifax appeared for a bail decision but the hearing was adjourned again.
A 54-year-old man, Ali Assakereh, arrested in connection to a bomb threat against the U.S. Consulate in Halifax, may face years in prison on a terrorism charge, according to federal Crown prosecutor Lee-Ann Conrod. Assakereh, who appeared in Halifax court via video for a bail decision hearing, faces charges of uttering threats and public mischief, with an additional charge of threatening an internationally protected person.
The Crown is allowed to request a maximum sentence of life imprisonment due to the terrorism charge. Assakereh's vehicle, containing a propane tank and flammable liquid containers, was found in the parkade of Purdy’s Wharf, leading to a police investigation and shutdown of nearby streets. Assakereh was arrested the following day and charged with the three counts on August 11, though the charge of threatening an internationally protected person was not laid until August 19.
His legal counsel, Lonny Queripal, stated that the ongoing investigation has complicated the defense's efforts to secure bail for his client. The charges can be heard as summary convictions or by indictment, with the latter increasing the maximum penalty to up to five years per count. The family of Assakereh, originally from Iran, expressed shock and confusion over why their relative would allegedly want to threaten the consulate.
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