Halifax Man’s Bail Hearing Delayed Again Over U.S. Consulate Bomb Threat

Halifax Man’s Bail Hearing Delayed Again Over U.S. Consulate Bomb Threat

A 54-year-old Halifax man accused of making a bomb threat against the U.S. Consulate has had his bail hearing adjourned for a fifth time. Ali Assakereh is now expected to return to court Friday as defence lawyers work on a release plan.

Assakereh faces three charges linked to the Aug. 9 threat, including uttering threats, public mischief and a terrorism charge alleging a threat against an internationally protected person. The threat led to a major downtown Halifax evacuation after police found a vehicle containing a propane tank and several containers believed to hold flammable liquid.

Police later determined the vehicle and its contents posed no danger, and downtown streets were reopened nearly six hours after the discovery. Assakereh was arrested on Aug. 10, while the Crown has indicated it will oppose his release and seek increased punishment if the case proceeds.