Halifax man accused of threatening to bomb U.S. Consulate not ready to pursue bail

Halifax man accused of threatening to bomb the U.S. Consulate earlier this month is not prepared to pursue bail, according to his lawyer. Ali Assakereh, 54, faces charges of mischief, uttering threats, and violating a section of the Criminal Code that prohibits threats against internationally protected individuals like diplomats.

The Crown treats the latter charge as potential terrorist activity. Assakereh's lawyer, Lonny Queripel, stated that they have been working with the accused's family on a bail plan but it is not ready as of yet. Assakereh appeared in court on Friday wearing grey sweatpants and a sweater, becoming emotional and needing a tissue from a sheriff.

He is set to return to court on September 10 to enter a plea and decide on a trial format. The maximum sentence for the charge of threatening internationally protected people is five years, but the Crown plans to seek a longer term due to the threat being against diplomats. Assakereh's vehicle containing a propane tank and flammable liquids was initially deemed a threat and resulted in evacuations of a downtown Halifax area.

However, an explosives expert later determined the items posed no danger and the evacuation orders were lifted.