The Crown prosecutor handling the case of a man accused of issuing a bomb threat against the U.S. Consulate in Halifax has indicated that the defendant may face a potential life sentence for the alleged offense. Federal attorney Lee-Ann Conrod informed the Halifax provincial court that due to the nature of the incident being classified as terrorist activity under Section 2 of the Criminal Code, the prosecution intends to seek an enhanced maximum penalty for 54-year-old Ali Assakereh.
Although it is unlikely that a life sentence will be pursued, the Crown is looking to secure a lengthier prison term beyond the typical five-year maximum for the federal charge Assakereh is currently facing. Assakereh was apprehended by Halifax Regional Police on August 10 after reportedly placing a propane tank and flammable liquids in his vehicle and parking it near the U.S. Consulate, prompting evacuations in a significant portion of downtown Halifax. He was initially charged with provincial offenses of uttering threats and public mischief.
On August 18, the RCMP pressed a federal charge against Assakereh related to threats against internationally protected individuals, including diplomats. The charge involves a section of the Criminal Code applicable to those accused of violent attacks on official premises that endanger the lives of protected persons.
During his bail hearing via video conference, Assakereh, a balding man with a short grey beard, wore a dark T-shirt and glasses while following the proceedings in Farsi, the predominant language in Iran, through a translator. The Crown opposed his release, and his legal aid lawyer requested an adjournment to address the bail matter at a later date, with Assakereh consenting to remain in custody until the next court appearance.
The judge granted the adjournment, marking the fifth time the bail hearing has been postponed. Police were alerted to the bomb threat on August 9 and located Assakereh’s vehicle near the consulate the following morning, leading to his arrest in Halifax’s west end shortly thereafter.
By early afternoon, an explosives expert determined that the substances in Assakereh’s vehicle posed no danger to public safety, prompting the lifting of all evacuation orders. This incident occurred shortly after two individuals were charged with shooting at the U.S. Consulate in Toronto in July, the second such occurrence at the facility this year. Previous shootings at the Toronto consulate in March involved different suspects and resulted in no injuries.
Overall, the situation in Halifax continues to develop, with legal proceedings ongoing in the case against Assakereh.