Bail hearing starts for 3 men accused of facilitating terrorism in alleged extremist plot
One of the accused is an active member of the Canadian Armed Forces
A bail hearing has begun for three men facing terrorism-related charges in an alleged anti-government plot to forcibly take over land in the Quebec City region.
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.
A group of media outlets, including CBC/Radio-Canada, is contesting that publication ban, but the judge has not yet heard arguments against it.
The Crown is opposing bail for Simon Angers-Audet, 24, Raphaël Lagacé, 25, and Marc-Aurèle Chabot, 24.
They are among four people arrested in July for allegedly trying to start an anti-government "community" north of Quebec City, and using a private Instagram account to recruit 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 last week 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.