Canada terror suspect requests defense attorney willing to use 'the holy book' as reference

Published January 13, 2015

A man accused of plotting to derail a train in Canada with support from al-Qaida is asking to be represented by a defense attorney willing to use the "holy book" as a reference in his case.

During a hearing Thursday Chiheb Esseghaier requested a court-appointed lawyer who will use the "holy book" as a reference. The Tunisian-born Muslim was apparently referring to the Quran.

At a previous hearing, Esseghaier declined court-appointed legal representation. He said he did not recognize the court's authority, saying Canada's criminal code is "not a holy book."

The 30-year-old was arrested last month along with suspected accomplice Raed Jaser on charges of conspiring to carry out an attack and murder people in association with a terrorist group.

Esseghaier has not entered a plea.

URL

https://www.foxnews.com/world/canada-terror-suspect-requests-defense-attorney-willing-to-use-the-holy-book-as-reference