An Islamic convert facing terrorism charges was rearrested after trying to walk out of his own trial yesterday - saying simply that "I'm outta here" - after telling the court he wouldn't recognize Canadian law.
| I'll have to give that a try next time I'm arrested... |
The 20-year-old, who can't be identified because he was underage at the time of his arrest two years ago, had been released on bail. But he spent last night in jail, and his legal future is unclear.
| Oh. Well. If it worked that well, maybe I'll try something else. |
At the time proceedings broke down, a police officer had been on the stand, and the court was discussing the young man's mental status, including whether he was suicidal.
"Officer Friendly, what was the defendant doing at the time you arrested him?"
"He was frothing at the mouth and biting himself in the small of the back, yer honor!" |
The only youth among 11 Toronto area suspects accused of a variety of conspiracies is also the only one whose case has got to its trial phase. He faces charges of attending a terrorist training camp. The court has heard only preliminary motions so far, and has yet to delve into evidence or testimony. While on bail, the young man had been living with his Hindu parents.
| "Son, stop bonking your head on the floor and say 'ommm,' dammit!" |
A Toronto Muslim preacher told The Globe that the suspect had been coming to Friday prayers, saying that he would rather return to jail than live in a non-Islamic household. "He said, 'In jail, I can at least pray,' "
| "It ain't so much the head-bonking that bothers us, but he's our boy. We don't want him to explode." |
Aly Hindy, imam of the Salahuddin Islamic Centre in Scarborough, said in an interview. "I said 'Don't do this!' " Mr. Hindy said.
| "Oh, yasss! I was against it from the first!" |
He added that he counselled the young man to pray in secret, but tensions between the suspect and his father had reached a boiling point. The man's family did not comment last night.
Mr. Hindy added that the young man is "confused" and that "lots of young people, they need guidance." The young man had lately been expressing an interest in circumcising himself, the imam said, consistent with his understanding of what the Prophet Abraham had done.
| "Put your pee bug back in your pants and put the knife down!" |
After the youth announced that he was firing his lawyer and didn't recognize the court led by Mr. Justice John Sproat, officials urged him to reconsider.
| "You might want to think about that, Beauzeau. That's assuming you think, of course." |
Dan Brien, a spokesman for the federal prosecutors, said only that the suspect had been remanded into custody, but he would not be giving any further details. A hearing is scheduled for Monday. |