A man from Halifax accused of making threats to bomb the U.S. Consulate in the city’s downtown is now facing a new charge related to terrorism, according to a Crown prosecutor. Ali Assakereh, aged 54, appeared in court for a bail hearing following charges laid last week in connection with an incident that led to a lockdown in the downtown area.
Prior to the scheduled hearing, Assakereh was additionally charged with threatening an internationally protected person, as the U.S. Consulate property falls under this classification as per the Criminal Code. This new charge alters the bail process for the accused, as explained by federal Crown prosecutor Lee-Ann Conrod, who emphasized that it is considered a terrorism offense under the Criminal Code.
Assakereh had initially been charged by Halifax Regional Police with uttering threats and public mischief. His case has been postponed multiple times, and he will remain in custody until the next court date. The new charge imposes a reverse onus situation, requiring the accused to justify their release from custody.
During his court appearance, Assakereh, described as a 54-year-old man with grey hair and beard, wore a grey sweater and sweatpants. He was observed smiling and attempting to speak in court before being advised by the judge to consult with his legal counsel.
The incident that led to Assakereh’s arrest involved a suspicious vehicle found by police near the U.S. Consulate on August 10, containing a propane tank and flammable liquids. This discovery prompted a lockdown of the downtown core, causing disruptions and evacuations in the area. Assakereh was apprehended shortly after the vehicle discovery, leading to the evacuation of a nearby facility.
Following the investigation, the lockdown was lifted in the afternoon when authorities confirmed there was no longer a threat to public safety. The accused’s bail hearing has been postponed several times since his arrest, with the latest charge affecting the bail process due to its terrorism-related nature.