3 men accused of facilitating terrorism in alleged extremist plot denied bail

Three men facing terrorism-related charges in an alleged anti-government plot to forcibly take over land in the Quebec City region have been denied bail.

Judge René de la Sablonnière made the decision in Quebec City's courthouse Wednesday.

The Crown opposed bail for Simon Angers-Audet, 24, Raphaël Lagacé, 25, and Marc-Aurèle Chabot, 24. The three men appeared in Quebec City court and were also present during the bail hearing which lasted three days. 

The contents of the evidence presented at the bail hearing cannot be reported due to a publication ban requested by the Crown and granted by the judge. 

Crown prosecutor Gabriel Lapierre spoke to reporters following the decision, saying the judge invoked part of the Criminal Code outlining justifications for detention. 

"Basically, that having them released would undermine the administration of justice so therefore the accused will remain in custody," he told reporters.

The three accused will return to court in September. 

They are among four people arrested in July for allegedly trying to start an anti-government "community" north of Quebec City. The national police force also alleges that one of the accused was running an Instagram account aimed at recruiting members.

Angers-Audet, Lagacé and Chabot face charges of facilitating a terrorist activity, and other charges related to the illegal storage of firearms, and possession of explosives and prohibited devices.

A fourth accused — Matthew Forbes, 33 — is facing weapons charges and was granted bail under a lengthy list of conditions that includes wearing a GPS tracking bracelet.

Forbes, who is not charged with terrorism, and Chabot are active members of the Canadian Armed Forces.