The trial of a 17-year-old resident of Montreal, who is accused of having ties to the Islamic State and preparing to carry out an attack on behalf of the group, has been postponed until December due to the emergence of evidence that could jeopardize national security.
The teenager is currently facing a total of five charges, three of which are related to terrorism. These charges include facilitating a terrorist activity, involvement in a terrorist group, and providing resources for terrorist purposes.
During a recent court hearing, Marc Cigana, the federal Crown prosecutor handling the case, disclosed that certain evidence crucial to the trial cannot be shared with the defense yet. The Attorney General of Canada has cited concerns over the potential threat this evidence poses to national security, defense, and international relations.
As a result, the defense team is unable to proceed with the trial without access to this undisclosed evidence. A new court date has been scheduled for December 18 to revisit the issue of sharing this evidence. In the meantime, the teenager will remain in custody until the next court appearance.
In a previous court appearance, the 17-year-old, dressed in a long-sleeved black shirt, appeared without handcuffs, accompanied by his mother. The youth was arrested on August 20 in the Côte-des-Neiges–NDG borough of Montreal.
Apart from terrorism-related charges, the teenager also faces accusations of assaulting a police officer and causing bodily harm with a weapon. The prosecution has indicated its intention to seek an adult sentence if the teenager is convicted.
