Close X
Monday, November 11, 2024
ADVT 
National

Man Convicted In Via Train Terror Plot To Undergo Psychiatric Assessment

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 13 May, 2015 10:33 AM
    TORONTO — A judge has agreed to order a mental health assessment for one of two men found guilty of terrorism charges in a case involving a plot to derail a passenger train.
     
    A lawyer appointed by the court to assist the self-represented Chiheb Esseghaier had asked for the assessment, saying the Tunisian national's mental health is "a real issue" in the case.
     
    Justice Michael Code says he's ordering the assessment because while he doesn't think strong religious beliefs are equated with mental disorder, he doesn't know if there's anything about Esseghaier's personality that might make him more susceptible to religious fervour.
     
    Esseghaier, who refused to participate in his trial because he wanted to be judged under the rules of the Qur'an, told the court he doesn't mind talking to doctors because he's always eager to share his religious values.
     
    He says that doesn't mean he's acknowledging he has any mental problems.
     
    Crown prosecutors argued that Esseghaier has extreme religious beliefs but said a mental health assessment wasn't necessary for the sentencing phase of the trial.
     
    Esseghaier and his co-accused , Raed Jaser, were found guilty in March of a terror-related conspiracy to commit murder, which carries a sentence of up to life in prison. The jury also found the men guilty of six other terror-related charges between them.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Daughter Of Former Alberta Premier Ralph Klein Supports NDP, Releases Video

    Daughter Of Former Alberta Premier Ralph Klein Supports NDP, Releases Video
    Angie Klein said Thursday that her famous father may have led the Progressive Conservatives for 14 years, but it's time for a new government. The Tories have had their turn running the province, and they're not doing a good job

    Daughter Of Former Alberta Premier Ralph Klein Supports NDP, Releases Video

    British Sailors Charged With Sexual Assault At Halifax Base Due In Court

    British Sailors Charged With Sexual Assault At Halifax Base Due In Court
    Chris Hansen of the Public Prosecution Service wouldn't offer details on the proceeding, but says it involves a possible change to their bail conditions.

    British Sailors Charged With Sexual Assault At Halifax Base Due In Court

    Fire That Plunged Downtown Calgary Into Dark A Result Of Failed Circuit Switch

    Fire That Plunged Downtown Calgary Into Dark A Result Of Failed Circuit Switch
    CALGARY — Fire officials are blaming a failed circuit switch for an electrical blaze inside a manhole that plunged much of downtown Calgary into darkness last year.

    Fire That Plunged Downtown Calgary Into Dark A Result Of Failed Circuit Switch

    Royal Canadian Navy Retires Aging Warship In Halifax

    Royal Canadian Navy Retires Aging Warship In Halifax
    HALIFAX — The Royal Canadian Navy officially retired one of its warships today in Halifax. The destroyer HMCS Iroquois served the navy for nearly 43 years.

    Royal Canadian Navy Retires Aging Warship In Halifax

    Canada, U.S. Announce Broad New Uniform Standards For Rail Safety

    Canada, U.S. Announce Broad New Uniform Standards For Rail Safety
    WASHINGTON — Canada and the United States are announcing wide-ranging, new rail-safety standards with the aim of avoiding disasters like the one that devastated Lac-Megantic, Que., in 2013

    Canada, U.S. Announce Broad New Uniform Standards For Rail Safety

    Sentencing Arguments Underway For Ex-quebec Lieutenant-governor Lise Thibault

    QUEBEC — Sentencing arguments are underway in Quebec City in the fraud case of former lieutenant-governor Lise Thibault. The 76-year-old pleaded guilty last December to fraud and breach of trust.

    Sentencing Arguments Underway For Ex-quebec Lieutenant-governor Lise Thibault